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2430 Esplanade Drive, Suite B, Algonquin, IL, 60102 | Directions
2454 Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock, IL, 60098 | Directions
22285 N Pepper Rd Suite 407, Lake Barrington, IL, 60010 | Directions
10370 Haligus Rd, Building 2, Suite 115, Huntley, IL, 60142 | Directions

Get to know exciting new treatment options for hair loss... Your renewed confidence awaits!

Alopecia Areata Treatment The volume, density, and quality of your “crowning glory” may have evolved. We empathize with the emotional toll that alopecia areata or hair loss takes on the men and women that we treat from across the Chicagoland area. Fortunately, treatment options have also evolved. The array of medications and therapies available at the offices of Dermatology Specialists of Illinois effectively fight hair loss and, in doing so, restore your confidence, outlook, quality of life, and well-being.

Getting to the root of hair loss

Alopecia refers to hair loss in general. It’s normal to lose some hair, but if your hair is noticeably thinner, bald patches have appeared, or clumps are falling out when you brush or wash, you may benefit from the specialized knowledge of our board-certified dermatologists, Drs. Vikram “Vic” Khanna and Lauren Boshnick. Once sources of hair loss have been accurately identified, our doctors suggest effective ways to restore volume.

For example, alopecia areata represents a specific type of hair loss. This disease may cause hair to fall out in patches and all over the scalp (or body). It often occurs in otherwise healthy people whose immune systems attack the hair follicle roots. It can also be associated with certain autoimmune diseases. The condition may resolve independently or may persist for many years.

Our team encourages hair regrowth with various medications or therapies at our offices. These medications include:

  • Topical products (Minoxidil, steroids, JAK inhibitors, or imiquimod) are applied directly to the scalp to slow down thinning and accelerate growth.
  • Injections (corticosteroids) may be used in the local area to minimize inflammation.
  • Drugs taken orally (Finasteride and dutasteride) get to the source of baldness by reducing a male sex hormone, DHT, which has been implicated in damage to the hair follicles.
  • Nutritional supplements support healthy hair growth.
  • Laser-assisted therapies promote enhanced circulation and healing.
  • JAK inhibitors represent one of the newest ways to interfere with the immune system signals responsible for inflammation and autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata.

The ABCs of JAKs for hair loss

Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a category of medications designed to block the enzymes that trigger immune system overactivity and inflammation. In turn, the reaction that is responsible for this disease is reduced. JAK inhibitors that are FDA-approved for hair loss at the time of this writing include:

  • Litfulo™, which is a pill taken by mouth once each day. It has been approved for use in both adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. It may be prescribed to individuals with severe alopecia areata. . By blocking erroneous and destructive signals, Litfulo™ decreases the number of immune cells that attack and damage the follicles. In around six months, nearly 25% of patients reportedly saw significant hair regrowth that re covered at least 80% of their scalp hair loss.
  • Olumiant® is also a once-a-day pill taken orally (with or without food). It is approved for use in adults with severe alopecia areata. It also works inside the body by disrupting the signaling process responsible for immune system overactivity.. In clinical studies, up to 22% of adults with 50% to 100% of scalp hair loss reportedly experienced significant hair regrowth – with 80% scalp coverage 36 weeks after starting treatment with Olumiant®.
Hair loss manifests in a variety of different ways. This distressing condition also has many potential causes and contributors. Contact Dermatology Specialists of Illinois to get one big step closer to restoring a highly visible aspect of your appearance and your overall well-being along with it.

During a consultation at one of our Chicagoland locations in Algonquin, Woodstock, Lake Barrington, or Huntley, IL, one of our doctors will examine your scalp and hair, conduct a thorough medical review and family history, and order lab tests to better understand what is responsible. We can only treat what we know, and this process informs effective treatment options, many of which are available at our specialty practice—call (844) 307-7546 today.

Dermatologist Specialists of Illinois

Dr. Vikram "Vic" Khanna, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of expertise in dermatology. Educated at Northwestern University and trained at Feinberg School of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University, where he served as Chief Resident, Dr. Khanna combines extensive knowledge with practical skills. He is also board-certified in Mohs micrographic surgery, specializing in skin cancer treatments. Dr. Khanna's authoritative role as a Clinical Instructor at Northwestern University and his dedication to ongoing education underscore his commitment to advancing dermatological care. Known for his compassionate approach, he is trusted by patients and peers alike.   Connect with Dr. Vikram Khanna on Linkedin

Dr. Lauren Boshnick is a skilled dermatologist specializing in skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and cosmetic dermatology. With an honors degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario and a medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean, where she graduated salutatorian, Dr. Boshnick has achieved exemplary United States Medical Examination scores and received advanced training at prestigious institutions like Mayo Clinic and Oxford. Her dermatology residency at Florida State University, where she was chief resident, further solidified her expertise. Active in the AAD and dedicated to advancing skin care, Dr. Boshnick brings her extensive experience and passion for dermatology to the Northwest Suburbs community.   Connect with Dr. Lauren Boshnick on Linkedin

Dr. David Othman is a board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon with over a decade of experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He holds a B.S. in Microbiology and an M.H.S.A. from the University of Michigan, as well as an M.D. from Northeast Ohio Medical University, where he received the Award for Excellence in Dermatology. Dr. Othman completed his dermatology training at Indiana University, serving as Chief Resident. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Known for his commitment to patient care and trust, Dr. Othman actively contributes to the field through teaching and research.