Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) Causes and Treatments

Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) refers to a hair loss type characterized by significant diffused hair thinning in the frontal area of the scalp and the crown area. It affects both men and women. Unlike typical Androgenic Alopecia case, DPA does not follow the hair loss patterns defined by the Norwood Scale or the Ludwig Classification. Rather, it follows a diffused pattern of hair thinning in specific areas of the scalp. These include the temporal region, hairline and the vertex area. The good news is that like any other androgenic alopecia patient, individuals suffering from diffuse patterned alopecia also preserve the stable “permanent zone” at the sides and the back of the head.

There are numerous treatment options available to treat Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA), but before that, let’s have a look at its causes.

[consult_A]

Causes of Diffuse Patterned Alopecia:

Just like Male and Female Pattern Baldness, DPA is also a type of genetic hair loss that generally runs in families. Dihydrotestosterone, a byproduct of male hormone testosterone, is the most common cause of diffused alopecia. Research has shown that when DHT levels rise, the resulting androgens start attacking hair follicles. This weakens the follicles, significantly affecting their ability to produce healthy, strong hair. There are several other factors as well that can trigger this type of hair thinning.

Treatment for Diffuse Patterned Alopecia:

Hair transplant, widely considered as the best solution for male pattern baldness, is equally effective in treating Diffuse Patterned Alopecia. But there are certain medicines as well that can help control and reverse the condition.

Medication for DPA Treatment:

Despite some serious side effects and temporary results, medicines are still used by a great majority of people. Minoxidil and Finasteride are two most widely used medicines by DPA patients. The former is a topical application that works by stimulating hair regrowth, whereas the latter is a prescription oral pill which works by minimizing the effect of Dihydrotestosterone. No doubt, these medicines work great for DPA patients but they do have some downsides, such as:

• In some patients medicines show their effects within a few months but in others they do not show any result for a longer period of time.
• Once you start taking medicines you have to continue them to maintain their results. You will lose the grown hair through medication as soon as you discontinue their use.
• Minoxidil stimulates hair growth on other parts of the body as well wherever it comes in contact. Some other side effects include redness, itching and irritation at the treated area, heart palpitations, difficulty in breathing and tightness in chest.
• Finasteride is notorious for causing several types of cancers in men, birth defects in conceiving women, anxiety, and depression.

Hair Transplantation for DPA Treatment:

Hair transplant is a method of surgical hair restoration. It is considered the best treatment for people with significant hair thinning or bald patches. The procedure redistributes existing healthy hair on the scalp to enhance hair density in the DPA affected areas. Some features that make hair transplantation an ideal treatment for permanent hair loss are:

• It does not give serious or long term side effects like medicines
• It offers natural looking results that are hard to detect
• It offers a permanent cure for DPA. Hairs grown through transplantation do not fall off

If you are interested in hair transplant for Diffused Patterned Alopecia, contact us by filling the form below and earn a FREE CONSULTATION.