Alopecia Areata is a type of hair loss that affects both men and women. This disorder is comprised of four types of hair loss that relate to the whole body. The risks and treatment for this condition are discussed below.
What is alopecia areata?
The most common manifestation of this disorder results in a rapid amount of hair loss to the scalp, with the possibility of one side being more affected than the other.
Unlike male pattern baldness, which is genetic in origin, alopecia areata is due to a malfunction of the immune system. The immune system wages war on body cells, specifically the hair follicles, which results in inhibition of hair growth.
Types:
There is a difference in the types of alopecia areata, which include:
Diffuse Alopecia Areata - Evidenced by hairless spots on the scalp
Alopecia Totalis - Marked by complete balding
Alopecia Universalis - Total loss of hair all over the body
Alopecia Areata Barbe - Loss of facial hair
What are the risks?
The groups most at risk of this condition are younger populations - teens, adolescents and young adults. This condition is often confused with similar looking problems such as hair loss after pregnancy or after the end of Hormone Replacement Therapy.
The risk becomes greater in the presence of an autoimmune disorder.
About half of those with a diagnosis of alopecia areata will experience new hair growth in approximately twelve months without treatment. If loss of hair is prolonged the ability to regrow hair is diminished and most likely will be permanent.
How can it be treated?
There are a range of treatment options available including:
Injection of steroid drugs, corticosteroid shampoos, topical treatment applications, such as creams, oils, and drops.
Alopecia Areata medications include:
Cyclosporine, minoxidil and anthralin.
There may be a need to combine different treatments to solve the problem, depending on the severity and duration of the hair loss.
Emotional stress can also be a factor with this condition. There has been a link between stress and the occurrence of the hair loss. Any subsequent periods of stress also tended to result in hair loss.
Alopecia Areata can result in very rapid hair loss, with baldness being a risk if it is not treated quickly. You should consult with a doctor to determine the best treatment path possible.
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