Hair loss that is growing back - anything I can do about it? (Photo)

Question

I have had alopecia areata. I haven't been diagnosed but am assuming. Back in 2020 I was discharged from the Marine Corps and the last few months in my service I had gained a substantial amount of weight and had an array of health problems. One of them was HPV+ and I was at high risk of cervical cancer. It is out of my body now and I am at a healthy 112.8pds. I was also balding, but my hair is growing back. It's growing back white. Is there anything I can do about it?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It's great to hear that your health has improved and that your hair is growing back. Alopecia areata can be a challenging condition, but it's encouraging that you are seeing regrowth. When it comes to the white hair that is growing back, this can sometimes happen with alopecia areata. The new hair may initially lack pigment and appear white or gray.

Here are some steps you can take to support your hair health and potentially improve the pigmentation of your regrowing hair:

1. Consult a Dermatologist: It's important to get a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. A dermatologist can confirm if you have alopecia areata or another condition and provide tailored advice.

2. Topical Treatments: There are various topical treatments that a dermatologist might recommend to encourage hair regrowth and pigmentation. These can include corticosteroids, minoxidil (Rogaine), or other topical immunotherapy treatments.

3. Nutritional Support: Ensure you are getting a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health. Key nutrients include:
   - Biotin: Found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
   - Vitamin D: Found in fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and through sunlight exposure.
   - Iron: Found in red meat, beans, and spinach.
   - Zinc: Found in meat, shellfish, and legumes.
   - Vitamin B12: Found in meat, dairy products, and fortified cereals.

4. Stress Management: Since stress can be a trigger for alopecia areata, practicing stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation methods can be beneficial.

5. Gentle Hair Care: Avoid harsh hair treatments and chemical processes. Use mild shampoos and conditioners, and be gentle when brushing or styling your hair.

6. Medical Treatments: In some cases, dermatologists may recommend treatments like corticosteroid injections, oral medications, or other therapies to help manage alopecia areata.

7. Monitor Overall Health: Since you've had other health issues in the past, it's important to keep an eye on your overall health and maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no underlying conditions affecting your hair growth.

8. Support Groups and Counseling: Sometimes, joining a support group for people with alopecia areata or seeking counseling can help you cope with the emotional aspects of hair loss and regrowth.

It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or supplement regimen. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your health history and current condition.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

The key now is to see an expert. The main diagnosis you need properly evaluated is androgenetic alopecia and whether or not that is present. You could have alopecia areata as well as other diagnoses but those need a proper up close examination.  The photos presented are not so typical for alopecia areata unless there was alopecia areata in the past and now if has regrown. the story is more suggestive of telogen effluvium with possibly androgenetic alopecia +/- areata. A good examination by an expert can confirm the diagnosis and help determine the proper treatment.

Hair loss that is growing back - anything I can do about it? (Photo)

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Hair loss that is growing back - anything I can do about it? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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