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Alopecia Areata

What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden, unpredictable hair loss. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. In some cases, alopecia areata may progress to total hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or loss of hair on the entire body (alopecia universalis).

Symptoms of Alopecia Areata

Signs and symptoms of alopecia areata may include:

  • Small, round patches of hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body.
  • Smooth, bald patches that may be itchy or painful.
  • Regrowth of hair in affected areas may occur spontaneously but can be unpredictable.
  • Nail abnormalities, such as pitting or ridges, in some individuals with alopecia areata.

Types of Alopecia Areata

  • Alopecia Areata: Hair loss occurs in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.
  • Alopecia Totalis: Total loss of hair on the scalp.
  • Alopecia Universalis: Loss of hair on the entire body, including the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.

Causes of Alopecia Areata

The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Possible triggers for alopecia areata include:

  • Autoimmune Response: The immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles as foreign invaders, leading to hair loss.
  • Genetics: Alopecia areata tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
  • Environmental Factors: Certain environmental triggers, such as viral infections, stress, or trauma, may trigger or exacerbate alopecia areata in susceptible individuals.

Treatment for Alopecia Areata

While there is no cure for alopecia areata, several treatment options may help promote hair regrowth and manage symptoms. Treatment approaches include:

  • Topical Medications: Corticosteroid creams or ointments applied to affected areas to reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth.
  • Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections: Injection of corticosteroids directly into the affected areas to suppress the immune response and stimulate hair regrowth.
  • Topical Immunotherapy: Application of chemicals such as diphencyprone (DPCP) or squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) to the scalp to induce an allergic reaction and promote hair regrowth.
  • Oral Medications: Oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed for more severe cases of alopecia areata.
  • Hair Transplantation: Surgical transplantation of hair follicles from unaffected areas to bald patches on the scalp.
  • Supportive Therapy: Counseling, support groups, or therapy may help individuals cope with the emotional impact of hair loss.

It’s important for individuals with alopecia areata to work closely with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

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