Alopecia areata is a skin disorder that causes hair loss, usually in patches, most often on the scalp. Usually, the bald patches appear suddenly and affect only a limited area. The hair grows back within 12 months or less.
People with alopecia areata typically have smooth, round patches of complete hair loss that develop over a period of a few weeks, followed in most cases by regrowth over several months (picture 1). However, alopecia areata may persist for several years and sometimes hair never regrows.
People with alopecia areata may lose and grow back their hair more than once, either in the same patches as before or in different patches. Almost always the hair grows back. Very rarely, the hair loss is permanent.
It is natural to be worried about the progression of your alopecia areata. But support is out there – with the right treatment, you may be able to stop your alopecia areata from spreading within just a few months.
Fortunately, treatments can help regrow hair. Alopecia areata can be triggered by environmental factors like stress, injury, or illness.
Sometimes hair regrows in the first patch while new bare patches are forming. Small patches join and form larger ones. In some cases, hair is eventually lost from the entire scalp, called alopecia totalis. There is a progression to complete loss of body hair, a type of the disease called alopecia universalis.
A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), possibly including severe stress. With alopecia areata, the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles — causing hair loss.
Will my hair regrow if I have scarring alopecia? Scarring alopecia can cause permanent hair loss, so your hair will be difficult to regrow after the follicle is destroyed. But if you catch the condition very early, medication may be able to stop inflammation before it completely destroys the hair follicle.
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.
Minoxidil is applied at home, once or twice a day, to help stimulate hair regrowth on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard area. There are 2% and 5% topical minoxidil solutions. They are often used in combination with topical corticosteroids. This medication is considered easy to use.
This form of hair loss looks like scarred skin surface where your hair used to be. The surface of the skin will look less or more pigmented, shiny, and smooth. And of course completely bald.
Since inflammation plays a significant role in alopecia areata, a shampoo with tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties, may benefit your scalp [18]. One good option is Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. It can also help with scalp problems, such as dandruff or psoriasis.
Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.
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.
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.
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 frequency of washing hair when experiencing hair loss varies, but it's generally advisable to maintain a clean scalp. Washing every 2-3 days is a good starting point, but consult with a hair specialist for personalised recommendations.
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).
In conclusion, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in promoting hair growth and overall health. Lack of sunlight can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, contributing to hair loss conditions like alopecia. To prevent this, ensure regular sun exposure, take Vitamin D supplements if needed, and maintain a nutrient-rich diet.