Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. The exact cause of this immune response is still not entirely clear, but it results in sudden, often patchy hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body.

 

The course of the disease can be unpredictable, with hair growing back and then falling out again. Some individuals may experience only a few bald patches, while others might lose more hair. It's essential to note that even without treatment, hair can sometimes regrow on its own.

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• Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches. 

• The condition develops when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss

• Sudden hair loss may occur on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and face, as well as other parts of the body. 

• It can also develop slowly and recur after years between instances.

• The condition can result in total hair loss, called alopecia universalis, and it can prevent hair from growing back. 

• Alopecia Totalis, which is the loss of all hair on the scalp

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Symptoms of Alopecia Areata

 

• The main symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss. 

• Hair usually falls out in small patches on the scalp. 

• These patches are often several centimetres or less.

• Hair loss might also occur in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard, as well as other parts of the body. 

• Some people lose hair in a few places. Others lose it in a lot of spots.

• You may first notice clumps of hair on your pillow or in the shower.

• Hair loss alone isn’t used to diagnose alopecia areata.

 

Causes of Alopecia Areata

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• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. An autoimmune condition develops when the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign substances. 

• If you have alopecia areata, however, your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles. Hair follicles are the structures from which hairs grow. The follicles become smaller and stop producing hair, leading to hair loss.

• Family history of other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Genetics may contribute to the development of alopecia areata.

 

Characteristics and Presentation:

 

Patchy Hair Loss: The most common presentation is one or more coin-sized round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body.

Alopecia Totalis: A more severe form where there's a complete loss of hair on the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis: The most advanced form, where hair loss occurs over the entire body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair.

Nail Changes: Some people with alopecia areata also have nail problems, like pinpoint dents (pitting), white spots or lines, rough nails, and nails that lose their shine.

 

Causes and Risk Factors:

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Autoimmune Response: The body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, thinking they are foreign invaders.

Genetics: Individuals with a family history of alopecia areata may be at a higher risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

 

Other Autoimmune Diseases: People with certain autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disorders or vitiligo, might be at an increased risk.

 

Stress: While not a direct cause, stress might trigger or exacerbate the condition in some individuals.

 

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is often based on clinical examination. A dermatologist will look for the characteristic patches of hair loss and may examine hairs trimmed at the base under a microscope. Sometimes a scalp biopsy is necessary. Blood tests might be conducted if there's a suspicion of associated autoimmune diseases.

 

Treatment:

While there is no cure for alopecia areata, there are treatments that might help hair grow back more quickly and that can prevent future hair loss. Common treatments include:

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Corticosteroids:

These are anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the immune system and can be given as an injection into the scalp or other areas.

Topical Agents: Minoxidil (Rogaine) or anthralin applied to the scalp.

Topical Immunotherapy: A chemical is applied to the scalp to produce an allergic reaction that might help hair regrow.

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Photochemotherapy:

This involves taking a medication that makes the skin more sensitive to light, followed by ultraviolet light exposure.

Other treatments: Such as diphencyprone (DPCP), dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), or squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE).