Alopecia areata (patchy) causes one or more coin-sized, usually round or oval, patches on the scalp or other places on the body that grow hair. This type may convert into either alopecia totalis (hair loss across the entire scalp) or
Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.
Approximately 50 percent of people with mild alopecia areata recover within a year; however, most people will experience more than one episode during their lifetime. Approximately 1 person in 50 will suffer from alopecia areata at some point in their life. It occurs in men and women of all races equally.
Alopecia areata usually presents as localized patches of hair loss on the scalp that emerge over a few weeks. However, this condition can also affect other areas, such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and extremities (see Image. Alopecia Areata Hair Loss).
There is no cure for alopecia areata—only treatment. In mild cases, hair usually grows back, sometimes on its own. However, if treatment is necessary, steroid injections and topical medications may be recommended. But there have been no reliably effective treatments for severe cases of alopecia areata until recently.
Good scalp hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of alopecia areata as well. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners that are free from harsh chemicals. Also, avoid excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles since they can strain the hair follicles. Lastly, protect your scalp from sun exposure.
Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose alopecia areata through a physical exam. They'll ask about your medical history, including when you started noticing hair loss and whether you have a family history of alopecia areata or autoimmune disorders. They may also examine your nails.
Alopecia areata typically begins with sudden loss of round or oval patches of hair on the scalp, but any body part may be affected, such as the beard area in men, or the eyebrows or eyelashes.
Alopecia areata frequently occurs in association with other autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo, lichen planus, morphea, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, pemphigus foliaceus, atopic dermatitis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, endemic goiter, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, lupus erythematosus, diabetes ...
It may start as patchy alopecia areata, then develop into alopecia totalis within 6 months after hair loss was recognized. If you have alopecia universalis, you have hair loss on your whole body. You may lose hair on your arms, back, chest, eyebrows, eyelashes, legs, pubic area, and underarms.
Scalp massages with essential oils, application of onion or garlic juice, and the use of aloe vera gel are among the home remedies that individuals have explored. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet contributes to overall health, which can positively impact hair growth.
Fortunately, treatments can help regrow hair. Alopecia areata can be triggered by environmental factors like stress, injury, or illness.
Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.
A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), possibly including severe stress.
Hairstyles that pull the hair tightly (such as braids, hair extensions or tight ponytails). Haircare that may cause damage due to processing (including perms and bleach). Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, childbirth or menopause). Medical treatment (such as chemotherapy and certain medications).
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three JAK inhibitors to treat alopecia areata. Barcitinib is used to treat adults who have severe alopecia areata. It's a once-daily pill. Deuruxolitinib has been approved to treat adults with severe alopecia areata.
Pull Test and Tug Test
During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.
Women typically present with diffuse hair thinning of the vertex with sparing of the frontal hairline. Some women experience thinning over the lateral scalp. Common conditions that mimic androgenetic alopecia include thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, and malnutrition.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
Alopecia universalis
While rare, some people lose all the hair on their body. The medical name for this condition is alopecia universalis. This boy's hair loss began with a single patch of hair loss on his scalp.
In most small patches of alopecia areata, the hair regrows within 6 to 12 months. However, it's common for the problem to happen again.