Alopecia Areata: Causes, Patterns, And Treatment
Alopecia Areata is a particular condition that affects human beings
. The condition results in loss of hair either from a few parts of the body or the entire body. However, usually the loss of hair is associated with the scalp, and as a result, many bald spots emerge on the scalp itself. The condition spreads in stages, and in the initial stage, it is called spot baldness. In about 1-2% of cases, it is found to be spreading to the whole of epidermis or the scalp.
Causes
According to various studies, an immune system abnormality is responsible for causing alopecia areata. This abnormality results in autoimmunity, which leads the immune system to affect some specific tissues of the body. In this peculiar condition, your own immune system is responsible for disrupting and attacking the normal hair formation and hair follicles in your body. However, the reason for such behavior from the immune system is still unknown. Biopsies of the damaged skin have shown the presence of immune cells below the hair follicles, which is unlike under normal conditions. Again, the reason for such an abnormal presence is not known. Apart from these basic reasons, there are some other autonomous conditions, including thyroid disease, allergic disorders, vitiligo, ulcerative colitis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, that are associated with this hair shedding condition. Some studies also suggest a role of heredity and genes in causing this peculiar condition.
Who Does It Affect?
Alopecia Areata affects both men and women. However, with regard to men, this kind of a hair loss condition is different from the normal male pattern baldness, which is hereditary in nature. Usually it affects children, young adults, and teens. Nevertheless, it may also affect both toddlers and old people. It is not contagious, and you should not confuse it with other conditions, such as those resulting from the discontinuation of progesterone and estrogen hormonal therapies and other hair shedding conditions toward the end of pregnancy.
Different Patterns
The usual pattern associated with the condition is the appearance of one or several bald spots on the scalp. If you are suffering from this condition, you will notice a sort of hair thinning across your scalp. This is more generalized in nature and is called diffuse alopecia aerated. Sometimes you may lose the entire hair from the scalp. This particular condition is known as alopecia totals. There is another condition referred to as alopecia universalism, which results in the loss of hair from the entire body. However, this is not the most common condition and is rarely experienced. Another less frequent condition resulting in the loss of hair is alopecia areata barbed. The condition specifically affects male beard.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this serious hair shedding condition entirely depends on its symptoms. If you find any unusual hair growth in the bald spot area, consider it a warning sign. The hair growth appears just as an exclamation point and can be seen using hand lens. The broken off and short hairs are narrower near the scalp. Sometimes you may need a biopsy to correctly diagnose the problem.
Treatment
According to statistics, around half of the patients suffering from alopecia areata can get their hair back in one year without the need to go through any treatment. However, if the period of hair shedding is quite long, the chances of re-growth of hair decrease considerably. In this situation, you need a good treatment to get your hair back. You can select from a range of available treatments, including steroid injections, shampoos (fluognonide or asclobetasol), and creams. Apart from these traditional methods of treatment, there are other medications, such as irritants (topical coal tar or anthralin), topical immunotherapy (cyclosporine), and minoxidil. Depending on the condition, these medications can be used individually or in combination.
Alopecia areata is a serious condition resulting in hair shedding. It normally attacks the scalp and causes a single or several bald patches. The severe condition can affect almost anybody, ranging from a newborn baby to an old person. However, younger individuals and children are more susceptible to this peculiar condition. A range of treatments are available to speed up the process of hair regrowth. Choose one that suits your body and does not have any side effects.
by: Anthony Taylor
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