ALOPECIA AREATA (HAIR LOSS) causes and treatment options

Alopecia Areata (Hair Loss)

Alopecia areata (hair loss) is an autoimmune skin disease that results in the loss of hair on the body. The autoimmune process is characterized by the body’s own immune system attacking hair follicles. The three types of alopecia areata are:

Alopecia areata – skin loses hair in round sections of varying size

Alopecia areata totalis – complete loss of hair on the scalp alone

Alopecia areata universalis – loss of hair everywhere on the body

What are the symptoms?

In alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, total scalp hair loss is preceded by the appearance of a small number of round hairless patches on the scalp. Some people may experience itching associated with the loss of hair. Total hair loss of the scalp (alopecia totalis) usually takes about 6 months.

Who gets it?

It is estimated that about 6.5 million people are affected by one of the three varieties of alopecia areata. Alopecia areata affects children more than adults; however, the disease can affect people of all ages and races.

Treatment Options

Except in cases of extreme hair loss (alopecia universalis), hair often grows back in a matter of a few months with no medical intervention.

Alopecia areata can’t be cured. But it can be treated and hair can grow back. If you have it, there are several things to try:

Corticosteroids. These are anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases. They can be given as an injection into the scalp or other areas. They can also be given in pill form or rubbed on the skin as an ointment, cream, or foam. The downside is that it may take a long time to work.

Topical immunotherapy. This is used when there’s a lot of hair loss, or if it happens more than once. Chemicals are applied to the scalp to produce an allergic reaction. If it works, this reaction is actually what makes the hair grow back. It also causes an itchy rash, and usually has to be repeated several times to keep the new hair growth.

Minoxidil (Rogaine). This treatment, which is put on the scalp, is already used for pattern baldness. It usually takes about 12 weeks before you see growth, and some users are disappointed in the results.

Other treatments for alopecia areata include medications that are sometimes used for other autoimmune disorders. These medicines have differing amounts of success in re-growing hair.