Autoimmune Hair Loss Treatment in London – Consultant Dermatologist
Autoimmune hair loss occurs when the immune system targets hair follicles, disrupting growth and causing shedding or patchy loss. Common examples include alopecia areata and scarring autoimmune alopecias such as lichen planopilaris. At Skinhorizon Clinic in London, we deliver consultant-led diagnosis and targeted treatments to control inflammation and restart regrowth wherever possible.
Introduction
Autoimmune hair loss can appear suddenly or evolve slowly, with significant emotional impact. The first priority is to confirm the exact diagnosis (non‑scarring vs scarring) because treatment goals differ: non‑scarring disorders like alopecia areata often aim for regrowth, whereas scarring conditions aim to halt progression and preserve remaining hair. Our consultant dermatologist will assess pattern, tempo, scalp signs, and triggers; organise targeted blood tests; and discuss the most suitable options including intralesional steroids, 308 nm targeted Excimer phototherapy, regenerative exosome adjuncts, and a precise at‑home routine using clinic‑approved products.
Get expert help to calm autoimmune scalp inflammation and support meaningful regrowth.
What is autoimmune hair loss?
“Autoimmune” means the immune system is misdirected toward the body’s own structures. In hair disorders, the target is the follicle or its surrounding niche. In alopecia areata, immune attack pushes follicles prematurely into a resting phase, causing well‑defined patches (or diffuse shedding) but without destroying the follicle—hence regrowth is possible. In scarring autoimmune alopecias such as lichen planopilaris (and frontal fibrosing alopecia), chronic inflammation damages the follicle’s stem‑cell environment, potentially leading to permanent loss if untreated.
Other conditions can mimic or co‑exist, such as scalp psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis; these are not classically autoimmune hair loss but can add scale and inflammation that exacerbate shedding.
Diagnosis & Assessment
- History: onset, speed, triggers (stress, illness), symptoms (itch, pain, trichodynia), menstrual/menopause history where relevant.
- Examination: pattern (patchy, diffuse, band‑like), perifollicular scale/erythema, broken hairs, exclamation‑mark hairs, nail changes.
- Dermoscopy: non‑invasive magnified assessment for hallmark signs (yellow dots, black dots, perifollicular scale).
- Blood tests: thyroid profile/antibodies, ANA when indicated, ferritin/iron studies, vitamin D ± B12, zinc.
- Biopsy: sometimes required to confirm scarring vs non‑scarring disease and guide long‑term strategy.
Personalised Treatment Options We Offer
Steroid Injections (intralesional corticosteroid for patches)
Intralesional corticosteroid injections are a cornerstone for patchy autoimmune hair loss, especially alopecia areata. Micro‑doses of steroid are introduced directly into affected patches to damp down follicular inflammation. Sessions are typically scheduled every 4–8 weeks for a limited number of rounds. Early signs of success include reduction of itch/tingle at the border and appearance of soft “vellus” regrowth within weeks. For scarring conditions (e.g., lichen planopilaris), injections may help control active redness, pain or scale around follicles when used alongside other measures.
- Targeted to active borders of patches; dose and spacing are adjusted to your response.
- Common temporary effects: mild tenderness, pin‑point bleeding, transient skin thinning if over‑treated (we dose‑limit to minimise risk).
- Used as part of a broader plan (trigger management, topical agents, phototherapy or systemic options if indicated).
Blood Tests (autoimmune panel: ANA, thyroid, iron/vit D, etc.)
Bloods help uncover contributory factors or co‑existing autoimmune tendencies. We commonly check thyroid function and antibodies, ANA where indicated, and nutritional markers relevant to hair cycling such as ferritin/iron studies, vitamin D, and sometimes vitamin B12 or zinc. Abnormal results don’t necessarily cause hair loss by themselves, but addressing them supports overall outcomes and guides safe prescribing.
Exosome Therapy (regenerative adjunct)
Exosomes are nano‑sized messenger vesicles rich in growth factors and signalling molecules that may help create a supportive micro‑environment around follicles. In clinic we use them as a regenerative adjunct alongside standard medical care—for example after intralesional steroid sessions or needling to enhance penetration. While not a cure for autoimmune disease, many patients report improved hair calibre and texture when exosomes are layered into a structured plan and consistent scalp care.
- Useful in non‑scarring and early scarring cases as part of multimodal care.
- Delivered in courses; intervals tailored to clinical activity and goals.
- We’ll discuss evidence, expectations and whether you’re a good candidate.
Excimer UVB Phototherapy (targeted 308 nm)
Targeted 308 nm Excimer phototherapy delivers medical UVB precisely to affected patches, limiting exposure to surrounding scalp. It can reduce perifollicular inflammation and encourage regrowth in conditions like alopecia areata, especially when combined with intralesional therapy and a sound home routine. Sessions are brief and repeated 1–2×/week during an active course, with dose carefully escalated by your clinician. Eye protection is mandatory; sensitive areas are shielded.
Supportive Hair Care / Daily Routine
Daily habits can calm symptoms and enhance professional treatments. We stock gentle, fragrance‑aware cleansers and supportive formulas selected for sensitive scalps:
- Cleanse: Gentle, sulphate‑considerate options to avoid stripping; minimise hot water and vigorous scrubbing.
- Nourish: Moisturising scalp serums and light conditioners applied to lengths, not the follicle openings.
- Targeted support: DP Exo‑Grow All‑in‑One Shampoo (clinic‑stocked) as a supportive step in your routine.
- Styling: Avoid tight styles and repetitive traction; limit high heat and harsh chemicals during active disease.
Your Care Journey
- Consultation & mapping: classify your hair loss subtype; photograph and measure key areas for comparison.
- Foundations: address scalp inflammation and correct contributory factors (e.g., low ferritin, thyroid issues).
- Targeted therapy: intralesional steroid injections to active patches; 308 nm Excimer for precise, medical UVB dosing.
- Regenerative adjuncts: consider exosome therapy layered into the plan to support hair quality and recovery.
- Home routine: gentle cleanse, anti‑traction styling, and supportive products (e.g., DP Exo‑Grow).
- Review & refine: follow‑ups every 6–12 weeks initially; we adapt frequency/dose to your response and goals.
Special Situations
- Rapid diffuse shedding: we differentiate autoimmune activity from other causes like telogen effluvium.
- Eyebrows & lashes: options are discussed with caution; gentle routines and targeted therapies where suitable.
- Beard or body hair areata: tailored dosing and intervals, mindful of skin sensitivity.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: we prioritise safety‑first regimens and defer certain treatments until appropriate.
- Long‑standing scarring disease: focus on stabilisation and cosmetic support (partings, toppers, camouflage) alongside medical care.
Aftercare & Maintenance
Consistency is key. We’ll give you a written plan covering how often to cleanse, when to use medicated steps, and how to pace clinic treatments. Expect gentle shedding to fluctuate—what matters is the trajectory over months. Protect from sunburn on visible areas and avoid tight styles during active disease. If you notice new itch, redness or a “tingly” border, contact us promptly; the earlier we treat active patches, the better the chance of recovery.
Safety & Risks
We use the least‑burdensome effective plan and monitor closely. Intralesional steroids carry small risks of local skin thinning or pigment change if over‑treated—our dosing and spacing minimise this. Excimer UVB can cause transient redness or dryness; dosing is carefully escalated and protected. Blood tests guide safe care. Exosome therapy is used as an adjunct; we’ll discuss suitability, realistic expectations, and known safety considerations in your case.
Expected Outcomes
In non‑scarring autoimmune hair loss such as alopecia areata, many patients see early signs of activity settling (less border itch/pain) within weeks of starting targeted care, followed by vellus regrowth and gradual thickening. For scarring disease, success means stabilisation—reducing symptoms and stopping expansion, thereby preserving density. Outcomes vary person‑to‑person; that’s why we track photographs and use consistent lighting and partings to judge real progress over time.
Patient Experience
“The injections were quick and surprisingly tolerable. After two visits we noticed soft new hairs and my scalp stopped burning.”
— Verified Skinhorizon autoimmune hair loss patient
Why Choose Skinhorizon for Autoimmune Hair Loss?
- Consultant‑led diagnosis: precise classification (non‑scarring vs scarring) shapes an effective plan.
- Targeted procedures on‑site: intralesional steroids and 308 nm Excimer UVB with medical‑grade safety protocols.
- Regenerative adjuncts: exosome therapy to support hair quality within a medical framework.
- Clear written plans: step‑by‑step home routines and review timelines so you always know what to do next.
- CQC‑regulated setting: robust governance, infection control and documentation.
Book Your Consultation
Get expert, personalised treatment to calm autoimmune inflammation and protect your hair long‑term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is autoimmune hair loss reversible?
How quickly will I see results?
Are steroid injections painful?
What is 308 nm Excimer phototherapy?
Do I need blood tests?
Can hair transplantation help autoimmune hair loss?
This page was reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist, last updated August 2025.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary, and all medical and aesthetic procedures carry risks and potential complications which will be discussed during your consultation. Suitability for treatment can only be determined following an in‑person assessment with a qualified healthcare professional at Skinhorizon Clinic.
