Alopecia Areata: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
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| Alopecia Areata & Patchy Hair Loss |
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a skin disorder characterized by hair loss in patches. These patches might unite and then stand out more and become more distinctive. It develops when your immune system destroys the hair follicles. Alopecia areata can affect people of any ethnicity, sex, or age. It may begin in childhood or adulthood. It varies from person to person.
There are two other types of Alopecia. When there is a total loss of hair on the scalp, then it is called Alopecia Totalis. In case, hair loss occurs on the entire body, then this condition is known as Alopecia Universalis. The former affects up to 5% and the latter affects less than 1% of patients with Alopecia.
Alopecia areata affects a large number of otherwise healthy people. They continue to be in good health despite experiencing hair loss and occasionally changing their nails.
The loss of hair is usually unpredictable. Without treatment, hair may reappear. When a person has a few bald patches, this happens more frequently. It's possible that it won't fall out again when the hair grows back. Although there are treatments that can speed up hair growth, alopecia areata cannot be cured.
Causes Of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. In an autoimmune disorder, your immune system misidentifies healthy cells as foreign objects. Your immune system is a complex network of cells and organs that typically protects your body from invaders like viruses and germs and diseases.
In alopecia areata, your immune system unintentionally assaults your hair follicles. A hole or shaft on the skin's surface through which hair grows is called a hair follicle. As a result of your immune system attack, hair follicles shrink and cease to grow hairs. The triggering agents for this autoimmune attack are unknown.
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| Alopecia Areata & Patchy Hair Loss |
There have been some recognized potential risk factors, including heredities, such as a close relative with alopecia areata also having a disorder like Down syndrome, thyroid problems, vitiligo, or vitamin D deficiency.
The risk of developing alopecia areata increases in people with asthma, seasonal allergies, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, and Down syndrome.
Symptoms Of Alopecia Areata
Hair loss is the most common symptom of alopecia areata. Hair loss mostly occurs in patches. Focal hair loss is characterized by distinct, normal-looking oval or round patches of skin.
The scalp is the most frequently affected area, but other areas with hair include beards, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas.
Hair loss can occur suddenly within a few days or gradually over several weeks. There might be tingling or consumption nearby before balding. Hair can grow back if the inflammation in the follicles goes away because the follicles are not destroyed. People who only experience a few patches of hair loss frequently recover completely and without treatment.
Cold weather causes more hair loss. Red, brittle, and pitted toenails and fingernails in some cases. About 30% of people who get alopecia areata find that their condition either gets worse or becomes a constant cycle of losing hair and growing it back.
How To Diagnose Alopecia Areata?
If you are suffering from alopecia areata or patchy hair loss, you should consult your dermatologist immediately. They pay close attention to the areas where you are losing hair. To see if the hairs at the bald patch's edges easily fall out, gently pull on them.
Your skin specialist will check the hairs and follicles to see if they are unusually shaped as well as your nails. Rarely, you may have a biopsy.
Alopecia areata can be caused by many things. As a result, your doctor may examine your skin for fungal infections. Blood tests can also be done to look for problems with your thyroid, hormones, or immune system. He’ll discuss your symptoms in detail.
Treatment Of Alopecia Areata
There's no specific cure for alopecia areata. However, some medicines could dial back future balding or assist hair with recovering all the more rapidly.
Alopecia areata is difficult to predict, so finding a treatment that works for you may require a lot of trial and error. Additionally, it is essential to remember that treatment does not always work. Some people may continue to experience hair loss despite treatment.
The most commonly used medications for the treatment of alopecia areata are discussed below,
Corticosteroids
Anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat autoimmune conditions. They can be injected into the scalp or other parts of the body. As an ointment, cream, or foam, they can also be rubbed onto the skin or given as a pill. The disadvantage is that it might not work right away.
Minoxidil
For pattern baldness, this treatment is already in use. It is applied to the scalp. Some users are dissatisfied with the results, as growth typically occurs after 12 weeks.
Anthralin
It is a medication that causes skin irritation to encourage hair regrowth.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is effective when there is a lot of hair loss or it happens more than once. These chemicals are applied to the scalp to cause an allergic reaction. If it works, this reaction causes the hair to grow back.
Alopecia areata can be treated with medications that are also used to treat other autoimmune disorders. The success of these medications in re-growing hair varies.
Laser & Light Treatment
Light treatment is likewise called photochemotherapy, which utilizes a light sensitizer, or phototherapy, which involves explicit frequencies of ultraviolet light for their mending impacts. To encourage new hair growth, laser treatment delivers specific doses of radiation. Both treatments are regarded as safe and effective.
Alternative Treatment
Alternative treatment options used for alopecia are acupuncture, aromatherapy, vitamins and supplements, essential oils and other oils, and onion juice. In oils, coconut, tea tree, and castor oil are the most effective. Zinc and biotin are commonly used supplements.