Alopecia Areata – Patchy Hair Loss Treatment in Khatib & Yishun
Sudden patchy hair loss can be alarming, but in many cases it is treatable.
At GreenLink Medical Clinic, we assess the cause of your hair loss and offer evidence-based treatment, including intralesional corticosteroid injections for suitable patients.
Visit our clinic at Khatib, in Yishun, for an assessment.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This causes smooth, round patches of hair loss that usually appear on the scalp but can also affect the beard, eyebrows and other parts of the body.
Hair drops out in patches and leaves behind an area of smooth skin or scalp. There is no scarring and you will not usually feel anything. this is no pain, itchiness or scaling.
The hair follicles remain alive, which means hair can often regrow over time.
Understanding Alopecia Areata
🛡️ Immune System
Mistakenly Attacks
Hair Follicle
↓
⏸️ Hair Growth
Temporarily Stops
↓
⭕ Round Patch
of Hair Loss
Appears
↓
💉 Medical Treatment
or Natural Recovery
↓
🌱 Hair Growth
Gradually Returns
Most people with alopecia areata still have healthy hair follicles.
Hair regrowth is often possible because the follicles are not permanently destroyed.
Common Symptoms
✅ One or more smooth round patches of hair loss
✅ Sudden onset over days to weeks
✅ Usually no pain or scarring
What Causes Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata develops when the immune system targets the hair follicles. The exact trigger is often unknown, but several factors may contribute:
- Family history
- Autoimmune diseases
- Viral illnesses
- Significant physical or emotional stress may occasionally act as a trigger
Treatment Options
Observation
Small patches of alopecia areata may regrow spontaneously over several months without treatment. However, treatment may help speed up regrowth and reduce further hair loss.
Topical Corticosteroids
Prescription steroid lotions or creams may reduce inflammation around the hair follicles and encourage regrowth.
Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections
This is one of the most effective treatments for patients with limited patchy alopecia areata.
At GreenLink Medical Clinic, corticosteroid medication can be injected directly into the affected areas of the scalp using a fine needle. The medication helps reduce the immune attack on the hair follicles, allowing hair to regrow.
Treatment is typically repeated every 4–6 weeks, depending on the response. Hair regrowth is often seen within 6–12 weeks, although results vary between individuals.
Intralesional Steroid Injections:
What to Expect
The procedure is performed in the clinic and usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Multiple tiny injections are placed into the affected patches using a fine needle.
Most patients tolerate the procedure well, with only mild discomfort.
Repeat treatments are commonly scheduled every 4–6 weeks until satisfactory regrowth is achieved.
As with any treatment, there are potential side effects, including temporary skin thinning or small dents (atrophy) at the injection sites, which your doctor will discuss before treatment.
👨⚕️ Referral for Advanced Treatment
Patients with extensive hair loss or those requiring steroid injections or newer immunotherapy treatments can be referred to a dermatologist when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my hair grow back?
Many patients experience complete regrowth, although recurrence is common.
Is it contagious?
No. Alopecia areata cannot be passed from one person to another.
Does stress cause it?
Stress alone is not believed to cause alopecia areata, although significant stress may trigger an episode in susceptible individuals.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice sudden patches of hair loss, especially if they are enlarging or becoming more numerous, it is advisable to seek medical assessment.
Related Condition: General Hair Loss
Looking for Alopecia Areata Treatment in Khatib or Yishun?
If you’ve noticed sudden patches of hair loss, early assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
At GreenLink Medical Clinic, conveniently located near Khatib MRT and Yishun Ring Road, we provide assessment and treatment for alopecia areata, including intralesional corticosteroid injections for suitable patients.
Visit our clinic for an assessment.
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Khatib, Yishun