Alopecia Areata
What is it?
Alopecia areata is a disease in which hair is lost
suddenly, creating distinct bald patches, usually on the
head or other parts of the body commonly covered with
hair.
Who gets it?
People with a family history of alopecia areata are
more likely to develop it. In children, it usually appears
during the school years.
What causes it?
The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. However,
researchers believe it is linked to the autoimmune system.
What are the symptoms?
Alopecia areata results in smooth, round or oval bald
areas. There are usually no signs of inflammation.
Symptoms can vary from bald patches (patchy alopecia
areata), to complete scalp baldness (alopecia totalis), to
loss of all scalp and body hair (alopecia universalis).
People with this condition are otherwise in generally good
health.
How is it diagnosed?
A skin specialist called a dermatologist may be able to
diagnose your condition through a visual examination. In
some cases, he or she may want to remove a small sample of
skin, called a skin biopsy, to examine under a microscope.
What is the treatment?
Patchy alopecia areata usually clears up on its own
within several months to several years. However, it is
common for this condition to recur. It is less common for
hair to grow back if hair loss is widespread, as in
alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis. Some alopecia
areata patients respond well to drugs that promote hair
regrowth, such as those containing minoxidil and
finasteride. A cream or ointment containing anthralin has
also been found to stimulate new hair growth in those with
mild cases of alopecia areata. Cortisone pills may be
prescribed in cases of substantial hair loss.
Self-care tips
Check with your dermatologist before trying any home
treatment for baldness. There are many forms of alopecia,
some caused by disease, so it is important to determine
the type of alopecia before treating the condition. People
with all forms of alopecia usually find support groups
dedicated to their condition helpful.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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