Hair Loss
There are many conditions that lead to hair loss. This can be due to conditions that scar the hair follicles and conditions that do not cause scarring to the hair follicles. Covered in this section are 3 common non-scarring alopecia conditions seen on a day-to-day basis.
Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune hair loss condition which has variable and unpredictable treatment response. There is an approximately 10% association with autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Treatments available in the clinic include:
Topical
Topical Steroid
Topical Minoxidil
Topical Squaric acid dibutyl ester – This is applied in the clinic once a week and incremental percentages as tolerated. Once hair loss is reduced and hair growth maintained, patients can consider applying the treatment at home at their convenience.
Injection
- Intralesional steroid
Oral
Oral steroid
Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAKi)
- Dr will need to monitor your blood count, liver enzymes, lipid profile, muscle enzymes
- Suppresses the immune system
- FDA Black box warning – increase risk of Major adverse cardiovascular events and risk of thromboemboli in those 50 and above
Androgenetic Alopecia and Female pattern hair loss
This is the most common form of hair loss and is associated with increased hair follicle sensitivity to a byproduct of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone.
Treatments available in the clinic include:
Topical
Minoxidil 2%, 3%, 5%
- Minoxidil and Dutasteride
Oral
- Minoxidil (Men/ Women)
- Finasteride (Men)
- Spironolactone (Women)
Telogen Effluvium
This can be acute or chronic. Acute Telogen effluvium is commonly due to post pregnancy, post surgery, dieting and post viral illness such as dengue, hand foot mouth disease and most recently post COVID infection. Chronic Telogen effluvium is a condition that requires further evaluation as an autoimmune disease such as Lupus erythematosus may be a cause.
Treatments available in the clinic include:
Spontaneous recovery can be observed in acute Telogen effluvium but some patients may decide to be on topical, oral minoxidil or certain hair strengthening supplements to aid recovery.
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
St Anne Mother & Child Centre
#02-81
Singapore 574623
Opening Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
8:30 am to 5 pm
Wed
8:30 am to 1 pm
Saturday
8:30 am to 12 pm
(closed every 3rd and 5th Saturday)
Phone or WhatsApp
(65) 91252808