Skin health guide · RDG Clinic
Alopecia areata: diagnosis and treatment in Riga
An autoimmune condition causing sudden, smooth patches of hair loss. An RDG dermatologist assesses the cause, severity, and the most appropriate next step.
Alopecia areata
What this condition means
The immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles. Round scalp or beard patches are common, but eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, or larger areas may be involved.
Several different disorders can look similar, so a photograph alone cannot establish a reliable diagnosis. The consultation considers how the changes evolved, associated symptoms, and products or medicines already tried.
Common signs
- Round smooth bald patches
- Short exclamation-mark hairs
- Eyebrow or eyelash loss
- Small nail pits
When to see a dermatologist
When to see a dermatologist
- Patches are spreading quickly
- Eyebrows or eyelashes are affected
- A large proportion of hair is lost
- The diagnosis is uncertain
Accurate diagnosis
How assessment works
The dermatologist reviews onset, course, symptoms, previous treatment, medicines, and relevant health factors. Examination covers affected skin, hair, or nails and dermoscopy where useful. Blood tests, scraping, culture, patch testing, or biopsy are chosen only when the result may change diagnosis or management.
An individual plan
Treatment approach
The plan is tailored to diagnosis, severity, site, age, comorbidity, and patient goals. It explains what to use, for how long, how benefit will be assessed, and when to seek earlier review.
Diagnosis-directed treatment
Choice depends on age, extent, and course; topical or intralesional corticosteroids and targeted systemic therapy for extensive disease may be considered. The clinician checks contraindications and explains safe use.
Barrier and daily care
Gentle cleansing, fragrance-free care, protection from sun or irritants, and avoiding scratching reduce secondary damage. Advice is adapted to the site and diagnosis.
Review and plan adjustment
At review, symptoms and objective change, adherence, and adverse effects are compared. If response is insufficient, the diagnosis is reconsidered and treatment adjusted stepwise.
Your RDG care path
How the clinic can help
Services are selected after dermatologist assessment and according to the individual findings, not from a name or photograph alone.
Long-term control
What to expect
Skin and hair disorders often improve gradually, so correct use and an agreed review point matter. Rapid deterioration, fever, severe pain, eye symptoms, or widespread blistering requires urgent medical care. The illustration is educational and cannot establish a diagnosis.
This information does not replace medical consultation. Seek urgent medical care for sudden, severe, or rapidly progressive symptoms.
Dermatologists
Frequently asked questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photograph?
A photograph may help triage, but often misses texture, distribution, and other important signs. A safe plan usually requires clinical history and examination.
Is this condition contagious?
The condition itself is generally not contagious. Infection can sometimes look similar, so an uncertain or rapidly spreading rash should be examined.
How quickly should improvement occur?
This depends on diagnosis, duration, and treatment. The clinician sets a realistic review interval; treatment should not be changed too early or continued indefinitely without assessing response.
Medical sources
Content updated: 13 October 2026
Treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis
After assessment, the dermatologist will explain the appropriate plan and costs. There is no single fixed treatment price because it depends on the diagnosis and therapy required.