Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. In the majority of cases, hair falls out in small patches around the size of a quarter. For most people, the hair loss is nothing more than a few patches, though in some cases it can be more extreme. Sometimes, it can lead to the complete loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or, in extreme cases, the entire body (alopecia universalis). The condition can affect anyone regardless of age and gender, though most cases occur before the age of 30.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. An autoimmune condition develops when the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign substances. Normally, the immune system defends your body against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.
Regular and long-term use of cosmetics, such as shampoos, conditions, serums that are sulphur, ether, and paraben based, damage the hair follicles, thereby provoking hair fall and, later, alopecia if not controlled within time.
Tying the hair tightly for a long time causes the hairline to recede back leading to traction alopecia.
Alopecia is linked with certain hormonal fluctuations. It has been observed that a few cases of alopecia occur during various stages of life where the hormones have an active role to play. Alopecia areata is found being triggered during puberty, menopause, and after delivery.
It is a psychological disorder where a person is compelled to pull out his/her own hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and on other hairy areas of the body.
Conditions affecting the scalp, such as seborrheic dermatitis and tinea capitis, can also lead to patchy hair loss in the diseased area. This is a reversible condition since hair grows back once the underlying fungal infection affecting the hair follicles is treated.
Many genes have been linked with alopecia areata that participate in the body’s immune response. The genes belonging to HLA (Human leukocyte antigen) are responsible for modifying the immune response and targeting the hair follicles. It is often seen that individuals suffering from this disorder have some other autoimmune disorder unlike alopecia areata running in their families.
Individuals suffering from other autoimmune skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and lichen planus, are prone to develop alopecia areata. For instance, a person having psoriasis of the scalp has scaling, itchy skin which leads to a hair loss, thereby causing bald patches in the affected area. A similar presentation is seen in the other two skin disorders. When baldness occurs as a result of these underlying conditions, this type of alopecia areata is called as scarred alopecia. In this particular condition, the hair does not grow back due to a permanent scar formation over the hair follicles. This scar destroys the hair follicles thereby causing permanent balding in that area.
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 centimeters or less.
The major symptom of alopecia areata is patchy hair loss. Hair falls out leading to the formation of circular bald patches in the affected area. Hair loss might also occur on other parts of the face, like 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.
This type of hair growth may be seen at the margin of the bald patches resembling an exclamation mark.
Some patients may complain of pain and itching in the bald spot, though this might be insignificant.
Areas of hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration) in the bald spots can be seen in the individuals suffering from scarred alopecia areata.
On examining the nails, they may be pitted white or yellow.
Alopecia areata in males
Alopecia areata in females
Alopecia areata in children
Types
Several types of alopecia areata exist.
Each type is characterized by the extent of hair loss and other symptoms you may be experiencing. Each type may also have a slightly different treatment and prognosis.
The main characteristic of this type of alopecia areata is one or more coin-sized patches of hair loss on the skin or body. If this condition expands, it may become alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.
Alopecia totalis occurs when you have hair loss across the entire scalp. In this variety, there is a loss of hair over the whole scalp
In addition to losing hair on the scalp, people with this type of alopecia areata also lose all hair on the face — eyebrows and eyelashes. In alopecia universalis, a complete hair loss occurs all over the body including the beard, armpits, and the private parts.
Diffuse alopecia areata may look a lot like female or male pattern hair loss. It results in sudden and unexpected thinning of hair all over the scalp, not in just one area or patch.
Baldness is caused due to the constant mechanical pulling of the hair. This is a reversible condition if treated early, but it may become irreversible in the later stages.
Hair loss that follows a band along the sides and lower back of the scalp is called ophiasis alopecia.
DIAGNOSIS
Other blood tests that can help rule out other conditions include the following:
Diet
Homeopathic medicines for Alopecia Areata :
