ALOPECIA AREATA · PERTH
Alopecia Areata Assessment in Perth
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that often causes sudden round or oval patches of hair loss. At Carmen Du Preez Trichology in Perth, the scalp, pattern and history are assessed to guide practical next steps and medical referral where needed.
Private consultation · Trichoscopy where appropriate · Perth CBD
A bald patch needs a closer look.
The scalp can look smooth, but appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. You can speak with your GP or dermatologist about medical diagnosis and treatment without seeing Carmen first.
CHANGES YOU MAY NOTICE
Changes worth having assessed.
One or more round or oval patches have appeared suddenly.
The skin within a patch looks smooth, with little visible redness or scaling.
You have noticed patchy loss in the beard, eyebrows or eyelashes.
New patches are appearing or an existing patch is becoming larger.
Your nails have developed small dents or other changes.
The patch is painful, red or scaly. Other causes need consideration.
UNDERSTANDING PATCHY HAIR LOSS
The condition and the next step vary.
Not every bald patch is alopecia areata. The pattern, scalp signs and history matter, particularly when other conditions may look similar.
1
An immune-related condition
In alopecia areata, the immune system targets hair follicles. The reason this happens is not fully understood, and there is often no obvious trigger. It is not a sign that you have done something wrong.
2
An unpredictable course
Hair may regrow, remain absent or fall out again. Some people have a single episode; others have repeated loss. Alopecia totalis affects the whole scalp, while alopecia universalis affects scalp and body hair. Other patterns include a band around the sides and back of the scalp (ophiasis), or more diffuse loss. An assessment cannot predict your course.
3
Other causes of a patch
Fungal infection, repeated pulling or tension, and scarring conditions can also cause localised hair loss. Medical assessment is important when a patch is spreading, painful, inflamed or scaly.
See your GP or dermatologist for sudden or spreading patchy hair loss, particularly with scalp pain, redness or scaling. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment; Carmen’s assessment can support understanding and suitable referral.
CARMEN’S SUPPORTING ROLE
I look at the scalp and the wider history.
1
How the change began
I would ask when the patches appeared, whether they have changed, and about previous episodes, your health, medication and family history. The effect on your confidence and daily life matters too.
2
What is visible
I would examine the pattern, scalp surface, follicle openings and hair shafts. Trichoscopy, where appropriate, gives a closer view of visible clues; it does not replace medical diagnosis.
3
Which pathway is appropriate
We can discuss monitoring, suitable hair and scalp care, and whether medical input is needed. Your doctor decides whether blood tests, biopsy or prescription treatment are appropriate to your situation.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions about alopecia areata.
Related information
Trichoscopy and scalp analysis
Trichology consultation
Blood tests and hair loss
Traction alopecia
Scarring hair loss
What to expect