Sudden Patchy Hair Loss in a Young Man: Alopecia Areata Case Report from Katy & Houston, Texas
Sudden hair loss can be alarming, especially in younger patients. One common cause is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that leads to rapid, patchy hair loss. At Reena Jogi, MD, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes. This case highlights a 24-year-old male who presented with acute focal hair loss and was treated with intralesional Kenalog (ILK).
Patient Presentation
A 24-year-old male, an established patient, presented with a sudden-onset patch of hair loss on the scalp that developed over several days. The hair loss was described as focal and moderate in severity. He denied itching, pain, scaling, or other scalp symptoms.
The patient reported recent emotional stress, a known trigger for alopecia areata in some individuals.
Clinical Examination
A focused dermatologic examination of the scalp and head was performed. The patient was well developed, well nourished, alert, oriented, and in no acute distress.
On exam, there were discrete, non-scarring patches of hair loss involving the left central parietal scalp and left superior parietal scalp, consistent with alopecia areata. No erythema, scale, or scarring was noted.
Diagnosis: Alopecia Areata
Based on the abrupt onset, focal distribution, and clinical appearance, the patient was diagnosed with alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss.
The patient was counseled that while alopecia areata often responds well to treatment, it can be recurrent, particularly during periods of stress.
Treatment Plan: Intralesional Kenalog (ILK)
Treatment options were reviewed, including topical corticosteroids, anthralin, and intralesional corticosteroid injections (ILK). After discussion of risks, benefits, and expectations, the patient elected to proceed with ILK treatment.
Procedure details:
Treatment number: 1
Medication: Kenalog 2.5 mg/cc (diluted from 10 mg/mL)
Lesions injected: 4
Total volume injected: 1.0 cc
Risks of skin atrophy were reviewed prior to treatment
The procedure was well tolerated without complications.
Counseling & Post-Treatment Instructions
The patient was counseled on expectations, including that hair regrowth typically begins within several weeks after ILK treatment. He was advised to:
Change hair washing to every other day to help reduce scalp tenderness
Monitor for improvement or new patches
Contact the office if hair loss worsens or fails to improve
A follow-up visit in six weeks was scheduled for reassessment and consideration of repeat ILK injections if needed.
Expert Alopecia Areata Treatment in Katy & Houston, Texas
At Reena Jogi, MD, we specialize in diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory hair loss conditions, including alopecia areata. Early treatment with intralesional steroids can help promote faster regrowth and limit progression.
📍 Serving patients in Katy, TX and Houston, TX
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