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Alopecia Areata

Description

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is most frequently diagnosed in people under the age of 30. Alopecia areata is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are several treatments that can help to regrow hair or camouflage the hair loss. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with alopecia areata, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.

Symptoms

  • Sudden and rapid hair loss, typically in round or oval patches
  • Complete hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or entire body (alopecia universalis) in more severe cases
  • Smooth, round patches of hairless skin on the scalp or other areas of the body
  • Itching or tingling sensation on the scalp before hair loss occurs
  • Nail changes, such as pitting, ridges, or thinning
  • Exaggerated hair loss after physical or emotional stress

Causes

  • Genetics: Alopecia areata tends to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the condition.
  • Environmental factors: Some research suggests that environmental triggers, such as infections, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals, may play a role in the development of alopecia areata.
  • Other autoimmune disorders: People with other autoimmune disorders, such as thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis, may be more likely to develop alopecia areata.

Risk factors

  • Family history of alopecia areata: People with a family history of alopecia areata are more likely to develop the condition.
  • Other autoimmune disorders: People with other autoimmune disorders, such as thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis, may be at an increased risk of developing alopecia areata.
  • Age: Alopecia areata can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people under the age of 30.
  • Gender: Alopecia areata appears to be more common in women, although it can affect men as well.

Complications

How to diagnose it?

How to prevent it?

When do you need to see a doctor?

It is important to speak with a healthcare provider if you or someone you know is experiencing sudden or rapid hair loss, particularly if the hair loss is in round or oval patches. Some other reasons to see a doctor for alopecia areata include:

FAQs

The severity of alopecia areata can vary greatly from person to person, and the condition may resolve on its own in some cases. However, in many cases, alopecia areata is a chronic condition that may require ongoing treatment to manage the hair loss. In some cases, the hair may regrow, but it is possible for the hair loss to recur.

There is currently no known cure for alopecia areata. However, there are several treatments that can help to regrow hair or camouflage the hair loss. In some cases, the hair may regrow on its own without treatment.

Alopecia areata is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. The condition is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Yes, alopecia areata can affect the eyebrows and eyelashes as well as the hair on the scalp. In some cases, the hair loss may be limited to the eyebrows or eyelashes, while in other cases, the hair loss may be more widespread.

Visit a doctor when you are suffering from skin problems!