Hair loss - Alopecia Areata

Hair loss - Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata, or baldness, occurs when hair is lost in small round areas. It usually occurs on the scalp but can also affect other areas of the body. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the hair follicles. The cause of alopecia areata is unknown but appears to be genetically transmitted.

This form of alopecia affects up to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. The severity can vary, and the terms used to describe it depend on the extent of the hair loss. Alopecia areata totalis describes the condition of a person who has lost hair from their entire scalp. Alopecia universalis occurs when a person loses hair over the entire body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. Alopecia areata monolocularis describes hair loss in only one place. And alopecia areata multilocularis is hair loss in multiple areas of the body.

This disorder usually begins with the development of small, round bald patches - usually on the scalp - but can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. It can appear in beards, mustaches, pubic areas, or other hair-bearing parts of the body. In some cases the hair grows back and in others the disease may go into remission, but this is not always the case. In some cases, the hair that grows back can fall out again. Sometimes the fingernails are also affected, causing bumps and pitting. This is an unpredictable disease as each case is different from others. There is always the possibility of complete regrowth, but no way to know in advance. It can be a one-time event that is self-correcting, or a pattern of loss and regrowth that continues for years.

While alopecia areata is not considered a serious disease, there appears to be a higher incidence of some other diseases in those affected, such as: B. other autoimmune diseases and allergies. However, alopecia areata itself usually does not cause any serious symptoms, apart from occasional mild irritation and itching in the bald patches it causes.

Since there are other disorders that can cause hair loss in places, a diagnosis must include elimination of other diseases. Some of these diseases are treatable, so it is important to rule them out before diagnosing alopecia areata. Diagnosis may include a scalp or skin biopsy, or the doctor may gently pull the hair around a band-aid. Hair that comes out easily with this pull may indicate that it is alopecia areata.

There are no known cures for alopecia areata. In some cases with small affected areas, the hair grows back on its own, so no further treatment is required. For other cases, treatments are available such as:

Minoxidil – A 5% solution of minoxidil applied to affected areas twice daily can regrow hair in these areas. Minoxidil can be used by both adults and children to treat alopecia areata. Any results should be visible within 3 months.

Corticosteroids are an immune system suppressing anti-inflammatory drugs administered topically, orally, or by injection. They are either injected directly into the affected areas or rubbed onto these areas. Oral corticosteroids are less commonly prescribed because they can cause side effects. Hair resulting from this treatment should appear in about a month.

If there is severe hair loss on the scalp, hairpieces and headwear (hats, scarves, etc.) can be used to cover up the hair loss. Covering the head does not affect regrowth in any way and may affect the sufferer's self-confidence if this is a problem.

The most significant effect that alopecia areata has on some patients may be psychological or emotional. For many of us, hair is a very important part of our self-image, and losing it can have a significant impact. Fortunately, this disease tends to leave those who have it otherwise healthy and able to live normal lives.

Inspired by Stephanie McIntyre