Do I have Telogen Effluvium or Alopecia Areata? (photos)

Question

My hair has been shedding and thinning for a few months now. I’m just 19. No family history of male pattern baldness. My family does have a history of various autoimmune diseases. My eyebrows have also been thinning. I have a small circular patch in my chin/beard area that is bald with no hair. I have also noticed my fingernails becoming much softer and brittle.My hair line is not receding. If I gently pull on a section of hair, 5 to 7 hairs easily come out.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

austinhampton03,Thanks for your question. It sounds from your brief history that alopecia aerate is at least one component of your hair loss. This does not exclude other conditions coexisting and contributing to your overall hair loss. It is recommended that seek a consultation with a hair loss specialist in your area. A thorough history and physical examination, dermoscopy, lab, and possible scalp biopsy might be in order.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, you need to see a hair loss expert. They will do a good history, examination under magnification as well as blood work. Your photos and history are suggestive of alopecia areata.. The sooner treatment is commenced the better the chance for hair regrowth. Work with your hair loss expert.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Lichen pilanoplaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia,  psudopelade, chronic cutaneus lupus erythematosis, tufted folliculitis, are some types of autoimmune cicatririal alopecias other than alopecia areate that should be searched for you.  So you may need to have a full exam with an hair surgeon, dermatologist and skin biopsy to find out reason for hair loss.

Muhammad Jawad, MD · Answer

Hair pull text is negative in AGA and according to your history it looks like diffuse alopecia areata.....but you need to consult a dermatologist and go for biopsy of the most recent affected area....
Hair Transplant would be the last option in your case...

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You appear to have alopecia areata. A full review of your story and up close examination is needed of course and this will help rule out other conditions tht could also be present. Blood tests are mandatory. But to answer your question- alopecia areata is likely at least one of your diagnoses. Be sure to see a dermatologist.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Given your appearance and family history, you would be best served by an in-person evaluation that includes blood work and possibly a biospy.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

Your pictures show significant hair loss that needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist. Alopecia Areata is a consideration but other conditions should be ruled out. A complete history and examination in person is the prudent path forward for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You are clearly losing hair but I don't know anythings about you (your sex) and I can't examine you which is essential for giving you a diagnosis

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