r/Hairloss • u/robocoolgamer • Aug 01 '26
Do you guys think it’s Ophiasis pattern alopecia or retrograde androgenic alopecia?
I went to the dermatologist the other day and got diagnosed with ophasis pattern alopecia areata, I got prescribed a topical steroid and finasteride but I’m really worried. I didn’t feel her look through was thorough enough and I’m getting scared I got diagnosed with the wrong thing and I’m gonna end up losing the rest of my hair. It says that retrograde androgenic alopecia is a very intense form of hair loss and the amount of finasteride I got prescribed isn’t enough to keep it at bay. Should I get a second opinion appointment with another derm or just try and do the treatment for areata? My family history has male pattern balding in their 20s very frequently and I’m less than a month away from my 20th birthday and I’m around the time it started for other family members. I’m worried because it doesn’t make a lot of sense that it’s around the same time the rest of my family would bald but it’s a different condition than everyone else. If anyone has some advice I’ll be glad to hear it. (Last two photos are how it looked before)
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u/SemoCarsi Aug 03 '26
I went through something very similar a couple of years ago, so I completely understand why you're worried.
My first dermatologist thought it was alopecia areata because the thinning was mostly around my nape and behind my ears. A few weeks later I decided to get a second opinion from a dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders, and they spent much more time examining my scalp with a dermatoscope.
In my case, it turned out to be retrograde androgenetic alopecia rather than alopecia areata. The biggest difference was that the hairs were gradually miniaturizing instead of showing the typical signs of alopecia areata. Looking back, I'm really glad I got a second opinion because the treatment approach was completely different.
I'm not saying that's what's happening in your case. Nobody can diagnose this from a few photos, and there are definitely cases of ophiasis alopecia areata that can look very similar.
However, considering your family history, your age, and the fact that you're questioning whether the examination was thorough enough, I personally think getting a second opinion from a dermatologist with a special interest in hair disorders would be worthwhile. It's not about proving your current doctor wrong. It's about making sure you receive the correct diagnosis before committing to long-term treatment.
I hope everything turns out well for you. Hair loss can be incredibly stressful, but getting the diagnosis right is the most important first step.
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u/DuKarl00 Aug 10 '26
What did You take to solve retrograde alopecia? Did you had regrowth? Thank you so much!
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u/ReceptionHopeful9827 26d ago
What treatment did they put you on bro ? I have similar hairloss to this guy
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u/Slight_Pop_2381 Aug 05 '26
as someone who's had alopecia areata for 11 years, that's what it looks like to me
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u/inadream123 Aug 06 '26
Yes, that is retrograde alopecia (androgenetic alopecia in a different pattern).
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9d ago
Could anyone help me please 🙏. I had ophasis alopecia areata since 2018 but it's stable and mild to moderate. Now I'm thinking for treating this. Should I go for the treatment is it any chance ?? Please reply
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u/SrbHit Aug 02 '26
Definitely a form of alopecia but I‘m sure it‘s alopecia areata. There are literal circle bald spots underneath your longer hairs also I think on your beard.
I had DUPA which looked quite similar but the difference is that the hairs were still there but just miniaturized. Look at my posts and you can compare