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Alopecia Areata
What is Alopecia Areata? Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp and potentially other areas of the body. Nearly 7 million people in the United States are affected, with children and those with a family history of autoimmune disorders at higher risk. The disease causes an immune response against hair follicles, leading to hair loss in small, random areas. Though it doesn't adversely affect physical health, it can have significant psychosocial and psychological implications, including stress and depression.
What Causes Alopecia Areata?
The disease is triggered when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Genetic predisposition may be a contributing factor, and in some instances, environmental triggers like viral infections may exacerbate the condition. Essentially, the immune system perceives hair follicles as foreign invaders, akin to bacteria or viruses, leading to hair loss, often in the shape and size of a quarter.
Types of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata manifests in various forms, depending on the extent and location of hair loss:
- Alopecia Areata Totalis: Complete loss of scalp hair.
- Alopecia Areata Universalis: Loss of all body and scalp hair.
- Diffuse Alopecia Areata: General thinning of hair rather than patchy loss.
- Ophiasis Alopecia Areata: Loss of hair in a band-like formation at the lower back and sides of the scalp.
How is Alopecia Areata Treated?
Treatment is geared toward symptom management as there is no known cure. Several options exist:
- Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory drugs injected into the scalp or administered orally.
- Minoxidil: A topical drug effective in initiating hair regrowth after around 12 weeks of treatment.
- Phototherapy: Utilization of ultraviolet light, sometimes in conjunction with psoralen medication.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma: Blood is processed and re-injected to stimulate hair growth.
Each treatment modality has its side effects, and effectiveness varies from case to case. In some instances, hair may regrow spontaneously without treatment.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12423-alopecia-areata
