What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia is a general term used for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common cause of non-scarring (does not cause scarring to the scalp) hair loss that can occur at any age.
It usually causes small, coin-sized, round patches of baldness on the scalp, although hair elsewhere such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, body, and limbs can be affected.
In some people, larger areas are affected, and occasionally it can involve the whole scalp (alopecia totalis) or even the entire body and scalp (alopecia universalis).
It is not possible to predict how much hair will be lost. Regrowth of hair in typical alopecia areata usually happens over a period of months, but cannot be guaranteed.
The chances of the hair regrowing are better if less hair is lost at the beginning. Most people, with only a few small patches, get full regrowth within a few months.
If more than half the hair is lost, then the chances of a full recovery are less. The hair sometimes regrows white, at least in the first instance.
Most people get further attacks of alopecia areata. In alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, the likelihood of total regrowth is less.
What causes alopecia areata?
Hair is lost because it is affected by inflammation. The cause of this inflammation is caused by the patient’s immune system, the immune system, which usually protects the body from infections and other diseases. How the immune system damages, our hair is still not completely understood.
Someone with alopecia areata has slightly more chance to have other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, lupus, and vitiligo.
Alopecia areata is not contagious, and no connection has been made with food or vitamin deficiencies. Stress occasionally may trigger for alopecia areata.
Is alopecia areata hereditary?
There is a genetic predisposition to alopecia areata. Few patients with alopecia areata have a family history.
What are the symptoms?
There may be a tingling sensation on the scalp. It can be a very upsetting condition, especially if the bald area cannot be disguised by hairstyle.
If alopecia areata affects the eyelashes, then the eyes may become sore due to dust, particularly in dry and windy conditions.
What does alopecia areata look like?
Typically, it starts as one or more bald, smooth patches on the scalp, which are not red or scaly. It tends to affect the pigmented hair, so there may be some white hair left within the bald area in older people.
Sometimes the hair loss is diffused rather than well-circumscribed patches. Short, tapered hair, known as exclamation mark hair that is a characteristic of alopecia areata, may be seen at the edge of the bald patch.
Regrowth usually starts at the center of the bald patch with fine white hair that thickens with time and usually regains its color.
Some people with alopecia areata develop small pits on their nails, similar to the dimples seen on a thimble.
Can it be cured?
Depending on the extent of hair loss, there is a good chance that for 4 out of 5 affected people, complete regrowth will occur within a few months. There may, however, be further episodes of hair loss in the future.
If there is pervasive hair loss from the start, the chances of it regrowing are not as good. Those with more than half the hair lost at the beginning or with complete hair loss at any stage have only about a 1 in 10 chance of full recovery.
The chances of regrowth are less in young children and those with the condition affecting the hairline at the front, side, or back.