Diffuse alopecia is a condition characterised by a decrease in the hair density all over the scalp.
Life cycle of Hair

1. Anagen phase

2. Catagen phase

3. Telogen phase
Diffuse alopecia is essentially due to a disruption of the normal evolution of the life cycle of hair, usually under the influence of some harmful agent. This causes ‛immature’ hairs to suddenly pass into the shedding phase; during this period, an overall thinning of the scalp is observed, with no specific areas of hair loss. It may affect hair growth over the entire body, but is usually restricted to the scalp.
Usually after a period of 3-4 months or when the effect of the harmful agent ceases to exist, the phenomenon subsides and the thinning is restored. It is often hard to diagnose, because the thinning is observed several (usually 3-4) months after the effect of the possible cause, which in most cases is no longer present in the patient at that time.
Depending on the picture of the trichogram, diffuse alopecia may be due to:
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Telogen Effluvium
Hair prematurely and abruptly enter the telogen phase (the last stage of their life), whereas, normally, hair should remain in the anagen phase for about three months, until the new hairs have developed, and then fall out.
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Anagen or Dystrophic Alopecia
Intense shedding of hair occurs (up to 90%) due to the effect of a chemical or toxic agent (e.g. chemotherapy) or radiation; the hair will grow back when the exposure to the agent is discontinued.
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Mixed Alopecia
The factors that are responsible for alopecia, affect hair follicles differently. This implies that in a number of hair follicles the anagen phase ends prematurely, whereas in a number of hair follicles growth stops despite being in the anagen phase.
Depending on the length of time over which the hair is lost, diffuse alopecia can be classified into:

Acute
with sudden loss of hair

Subacute
in which the hair is lost over several months

Chronic Diffuse Alopecia
in which the phase of thinning is repeated and overall lasts more than 6 months
Treatment Options
Autologous Growth Factors
Autologous growth factors hair loss therapy has been tested in cases of diffuse alopecia and is currently used with excellent results, in combination with supportive treatment or medication. In this treatment, a small amount of the patient’s blood is obtained and centrifuged, activated by addition of calcium chloride, and then injected into the affected area, where it will release significant amounts of growth and healing factors, thus accelerating the process of hair regrowth. The therapy can be repeated at one-month intervals, until the hair growth in the affected area is restored to a satisfactory degree. Each session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and does not require topical anaesthesia.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil solution of 2% or 5% topically on the scalp twice a day can help, especially in cases of chronic diffuse alopecia.
Low Level Laser Therapy - LLLT
In combination with conservative treatment, LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) can be used. The application of low-energy laser with mobile devices that can be used for home therapy, contributes to an increase of local blood supply to the affected area of the scalp, thereby improving the nutritional condition of the hair follicles and accelerating the development of new hair.