An older man with hair loss.

Hair Loss & Alopecia Treatment in Chicago | Illinois Dermatology Institute

Home » Conditions Treated » Alopecia (Hair Loss) Treatment
Individual results may vary.

Hair loss affects approximately 80% of men and nearly half of all women at some point in their lives. While pattern baldness is common, some hair loss is more sudden and widespread, a condition known as alopecia areata.

At Illinois Dermatology Institute, our board-certified dermatologists offer a full range of hair loss solutions in Chicago Lakeview & Chicago Loop and Schaumburg, along with surrounding areas.

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, most often from the scalp but sometimes across the body. Unlike pattern baldness, it typically produces patchy, random hair loss.

It’s believed to occur when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, and it’s most common in people with a family history of the condition, asthma, or a history of certain cancer immunotherapy treatments.

A dermatologist inspecting a woman's hair.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss can result from a range of factors, including:

  • Hormones, such as abnormal androgen levels
  • Genetics, which influence male and female pattern baldness
  • Stress, illness, and childbirth, which can cause temporary shedding
  • Medications, including chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and certain blood pressure or birth control medications
  • Burns, injuries, or radiation, which typically resolve once the area heals
  • Autoimmune disease, the underlying cause of alopecia areata
  • Hair care habits, such as frequent heat styling, tight braiding, or chemical treatments

Types of Hair Loss

  • Alopecia Totalis: Alopecia areata that progresses to complete or near-complete scalp baldness.
  • Alopecia Universalis: The most advanced form, causing near-total or total hair loss across the entire body.
  • Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Hair loss spread evenly across the scalp rather than in patches, which can make it harder to diagnose.
  • Involutional Alopecia: A natural, age-related thinning as more follicles enter a resting phase.
  • Trichotillomania: A psychological condition, most common in children, involving compulsive hair pulling.
  • Telogen Effluvium: Temporary, diffuse shedding caused by a shift in the hair growth cycle.

Hair Loss Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice:

  • Sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp or body
  • Hair loss that spreads quickly
  • Widespread thinning without an obvious cause
  • Hair loss following a period of major stress, illness, or a medication change
  • Compulsive hair pulling

Hair Loss Diagnosis

Diagnosing hair loss involves a complete evaluation, since a range of medical factors can contribute to the condition. Your dermatologist reviews your family history, medical history, hair care routine, and diet, and may recommend blood tests, a hair sample analysis, or a scalp biopsy to confirm the cause.

Hair Loss Treatment Options

Prescription Medications

Corticosteroids and Janus Kinase (JAK) enzyme inhibitors can help calm the immune response driving alopecia areata and support regrowth.

Topical Immunotherapy

This treatment involves the supervised application of topical solutions directly to bald patches on the scalp to stimulate regrowth.

The right treatment depends on your age, overall health, and the severity of your hair loss.

What Is the Most Effective Hair Loss Treatment?

The most effective treatment depends on the type and cause of your hair loss. Many patients see the best results from a personalized plan that combines prescription medication with topical immunotherapy, especially when treatment begins early.

How Long Does Hair Loss Treatment Take?

Hair regrowth takes time. Many patients begin seeing new growth within 3 to 6 months of starting treatment, though full results can take up to a year. Consistency with your treatment plan is key.

When Should You See a Dermatologist for Hair Loss?

You should see a dermatologist if:

  • Hair loss is sudden or rapidly progressing
  • You notice patchy bald spots
  • Hair loss is accompanied by scalp itching, redness, or pain
  • Over-the-counter treatments haven’t helped
  • Hair loss is affecting your confidence or quality of life

Hair Loss & Alopecia Treatment in Chicago & Schaumburg

Illinois Dermatology Institute provides hair loss evaluation and treatment at multiple convenient locations, including:

  • Chicago Lakeview
  • Chicago Loop
  • Schaumburg

Our dermatology team helps you find a treatment plan that fits your goals.

Our Hair Loss Specialists

Our board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat all forms of hair loss, from common pattern baldness to autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata. We focus on identifying the underlying cause and building a treatment plan that supports lasting regrowth.

Get Answers About Your Hair Loss

Hair loss has many different causes, and the right treatment depends on identifying yours. Our dermatologists can pinpoint what’s driving your hair loss and build a plan around it.

Book your appointment today at a location near you.

FAQs

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy, often sudden hair loss, while pattern baldness is a gradual, genetically driven form of thinning.
Book An Appointment