The course of alopecia areata varies from person to person. Some have bouts of hair loss throughout their lives, while others only have one episode. Recovery is unpredictable too, with hair regrowing fully in some people but not others.
In most people, new hair eventually grows back in the affected areas, although this process can take months. 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.
For some people, this hair loss is a one-time event. For others, alopecia areata comes and goes and can last a lifetime. Each person may have a different experience with alopecia areata. Some people may regrow hair, while others do not.
Most people with alopecia areata have hair loss on their head and face. You may have it in just one spot, like your beard area or just one side of your scalp. It may also affect your eyebrows, eyelashes, and nose hairs.
Thankfully, mild cases of alopecia areata often get better without treatment within a few months to a year. In some cases, patchy baldness may come and go over many months or years. The size of the bald patch or patches and how long they last are quite variable.
The course of alopecia areata varies from person to person. Some have bouts of hair loss throughout their lives, while others only have one episode. Recovery is unpredictable too, with hair regrowing fully in some people but not others.
Alopecia areata causes your hair to fall out in patches. The patches are usually small and round — about the size of a quarter — but the shape and amount of hair you lose may be bigger or smaller. Your nails may also develop dents or pits (cupuliform depressions).
Frequency. Alopecia areata affects 1 in every 500 to 1,000 people in the United States. It is one of many recognized forms of alopecia; alopecia areata is the second most common form after androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness in men and female-pattern baldness in women).
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.
The most common diseases related to alopecia areata include autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes, and atopic conditions (related to allergies), such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), atopic dermatitis, and other forms of eczema.
Abstract. Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring autoimmune hair loss of the scalp or body. While an early onset is considered a primary factor for poor prognosis, children with early-onset AA show varied responses to treatment.
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.
Emotional stress can also trigger a specific type of alopecia, called alopecia areata. This is characterised by sudden bald patches on the scalp, which can spread to cover the entire head. Again, hair loss caused by alopecia areata is not permanent and often grows back, although sometimes treatment is required.
About 60% of people with alopecia areata experience the first episode of hair loss before age 20. It is usually followed by hair regrowth. However, it's common for the problem to come back. New bald patches can develop at the same time older ones are regrowing hair.
The increased popularity in tight hairstyles such as braids and man-buns, as well as the use of hair extensions, has meant a rise in cases of Traction Alopecia. This is a fully preventable hair loss condition which is caused be undue strain being placed on the hair follicles, most often due to hairstyles.
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.
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.
Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata
Doctors usually diagnose alopecia areata by: Examining the areas where the hair has been lost and looking at your nails. Examining your hair and hair follicle openings using a handheld magnifying device. Asking about your medical and family history.
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common cause of nonscarring hair loss that generally causes round patches of baldness on the scalp, or the whole scalp, or the entire body. In some patients, however, AA is characterized by a diffuse hair loss, commonly misdiagnosed as telogen effluvium or androgenetic alopecia.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia
It can come on suddenly or gradually and affect just your scalp or your whole body. Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include: Gradual thinning on top of head. This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting people as they age.
Retrograde alopecia is a distinct form of hair loss that affects the nape of the neck and sometimes the temple area above and in front of the ears. While the exact cause is not entirely understood, genetic factors, hormonal influences, autoimmune disorders, and external factors all play a role.
Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease and while most associate it with temporary and permanent hair loss, it affects the nails in up to 46% of those affected. AA nails may appear pitted with lines, having splitting and/or white spots.