Hair Loss Due to Corticosteroid Scalp Injections for AGA (Photo)

Question

I’m a healthy 41y/o female with early-stage AGA (diagnosed by scalp biopsy). Nov. 30 I saw a reputable derm (whose skills clearly stopped at treating hair loss). He recommended steroid injections even though I knew they don't work for AGA. His reply: "Might as well try!" So, we did so under the "what could it hurt?" thought process & 1 month later I discovered several areas of scalp atrophy, a bald spot & shedding at my crown. Will this hair grow back? Devastated

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Scalp atrophy and hair shedding following steroid injections can occur, although it’s uncommon. Hair regrowth in these areas is possible but depends on the extent of atrophy and the health of the surrounding follicles. It’s important to stop any treatments causing adverse effects and focus on reducing inflammation and promoting scalp health. A follow-up with a specialist experienced in AGA can help guide next steps and optimize your chances for recovery.

Ross Kopelman, DO · Answer

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience, and I completely understand how upsetting it must be to see these effects after the treatment. Corticosteroid injections are typically used to treat conditions like alopecia areata, not androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and unfortunately, using them for AGA can sometimes lead to complications like scalp atrophy, thinning, and localized hair loss if too much steroid is used or it’s injected too deeply.
The good news is that hair regrowth is possible in many cases, especially once the steroid effects wear off and the scalp begins to heal. However, the timeline for recovery can vary. If the atrophy is mild, the scalp can regenerate, and hair regrowth might happen over the next several months. You might consider treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate healing and promote regrowth.
It’s essential to follow up with a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss and discuss possible treatment options to support recovery. In the meantime, be gentle with your scalp, avoid harsh products, and protect it from excessive sun exposure, as this can help prevent further damage. With proper care and time, there's hope that the affected areas will improve.

Hair Loss Due to Corticosteroid Scalp Injections for AGA (Photo)

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Hair Loss Due to Corticosteroid Scalp Injections for AGA (Photo)

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