Small bald patch, what can I do?

Thanks so much for writing to me. I can only imagine how stressful this is for you. Stress brought on by a break up and moving house can be overwhelming. Stress can have a huge effect on your immune system and can really affect your hair and body in so many ways. Hair loss can happen at any time and can be caused by medical reason, stress, age or nutritional deficiencies.

It sounds to me that you have Alopecia areata which is an auto-immune disease. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. This results in a bald patch like the one you are describing.

This can cause patches of hair loss throughout the scalp and hair loss on the body too. Sometimes it is caused by an underlying condition and it can right itself on its own once that underlying condition is under control.

Trichology

When you suffer with hair loss it can be very stressful and the sooner you see a Trichologist to get a proper diagnosis the better. They will be able to look at your medical history and see how active the Alopecia is on your scalp.

With a bald patch like this it would be a good idea to get some blood tests carried out with your Doctor to determine if you are low in Iron or are suffering with any thyroid disorders. A lot of the time with alopecia areata especially when it is caused by stress, it will right itself over time.

Here are some treatments and tips for dealing with alopecia areata.

Healthy Food and Nutrition

Lacking in certain nutrients can cause hair loss. It’s worth having a proper look at your diet.

Perhaps keeping a food journal for a week or two and then seeing after that time if you are getting the proper intake of fruits and vegetables and are having a healthy balanced diet.

There are plenty of health plans on line that will give you a proper breakdown of what you should be eating to keep your body, skin and hair as heathy as possible.

De-Stress

This one is easier to say than do but if you are very stressed at the moment finding ways in your day to de-stress will make a huge difference to your health and the health of your hair.

Try taking a yoga class on line to relax or go for a walk and listen to your favourite music. Reading a book or taking a relaxing bath is also another great way to de-stress.

It’s finding some time in your day for yourself and just breathing which can make such a difference.

Head Massage

A head massage is a great way to encourage hair growth and also helps you to relax.

Try to do it every day for at least 5 minutes to get the blood flowing to the follicles. This can be done on dry hair or put on a hair mask and see the rewards of stimulating the hair follicles with getting your hair in great condition too.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy or red-light therapy can stimulate hair follicles and hair growth. It’s a safe procedure and is performed in a clinic by a trained professional Trichologist or Dermatologist.

Usually it takes a course of several treatments a week over a month or two to see the difference in your hair growth. Laser Caps can also be used at home which give a similar effect although would not be quite as strong as the in-clinic laser machine.

Corticosteroid Injections

This is an injection of corticosteroid medication that is given once a month to the area of hair loss.

These are anti-inflammatory medication which can stimulate hair growth. Corticosteroids injections are given by a dermatologist and if you don’t like the idea of needles they also come in a topical cream or foam which you could rub on your bald patch.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is used for all different types of hair loss. It’s advised to speak with your Doctor or a Certified Trichologist before you start to use it. It’s a topical medication that comes in different strengths and works by dilating the blood vessels and promotes hair to grow. Once you have had your cons.