Dermatologist Olga Antonova has advised people in Russia on how to distinguish seasonal hair loss, which frequently affects individuals during autumn, from progressive medical alopecia.
Writing in a post on her Telegram channel, Antonova explained that individuals should look beyond daily hair shedding and focus on how overall hair density develops over time.
According to Antonova, a person who does not have alopecia will gradually regrow replacement hair of roughly the same thickness and quality after a period of shedding. In contrast, someone developing alopecia may notice that a portion of their newly emerging hair gradually becomes thinner, shorter, weaker and less noticeable over time.
Identifying the signs of alopecia
Antonova listed several specific physical signs that should raise suspicion of alopecia. These include a widening parting line, scalp skin becoming visible through the hair, a thinning ponytail, localized areas of hair density reduction, and the appearance of noticeably shorter strands scattered among longer hair.
The dermatologist also emphasized that hair loss and alopecia are not mutually exclusive. In some cases, a patient can experience both seasonal shedding and medical alopecia simultaneously.
Understanding seasonal shedding and alopecia
Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss, encompassing a broad range of conditions that cause partial or complete hair loss on the head or body. While temporary hair loss often spikes in autumn due to natural seasonal shifts in hair follicle growth cycles, alopecia involves changes to follicle health that can lead to long term hair thinning.
Dermatology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists typically assess scalp health by evaluating follicle density, strand diameter, and growth patterns over several months to determine whether treatment or ongoing monitoring is required.
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging platform widely used across Russia and Eastern Europe, where experts, medical professionals, and specialized publications regularly post advice, health guidance, and public service information to subscribers.
Causes of early baldness
Antonova's advice follows guidance provided earlier by dermatologist Maria Khaldina, who addressed the key factors behind premature hair loss in men. Khaldina listed genetic predisposition as one of the primary reasons why men experience early baldness.
Genetic hair loss, commonly known as androgenetic alopecia, is a hereditary condition that affects hair follicles sensitive to hormonal changes, leading to gradual thinning over time.
