Alopecia Areata Explained

Alopecia Areata Explained

The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. Alopecia may be localized or diffuse. Patients may notice hair shedding, poor hair quality, hair thinning or bald areas. There may be associated scalp disease or scarring. Dermatologists comment that scalp hair loss seems to provoke more distress than many severe skin conditions. Unfortunately, hair loss may not be easy to remedy. Some people need professional counseling to come to terms with the disorder, regain self-confidence and live full, productive lives.
The term alopecia means hair loss. In the form of alopecia known as alopecia areata, round bald patches appear suddenly, most often affecting the scalp. Alopecia can occur at any age, including in childhood.
What are alopecia areata causes ? It is considered to be one of the autoimmune disorders - lymphocytes around the hair follicles release chemical messengers (called cytokines) that reject the hair for unknown reasons.
Alopecia may occur in more than one member of the family, and such families may develop other autoimmune diseases such as pernicious anemia. It is also more common in patients with chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome. Like many other health problems, it sometimes starts after a stressful event. This condition itself may be emotionally very distressing.
What does it look like? Alopecia is often discovered by a hairdresser, as there are usually no symptoms. The hair stops growing and then falls out from the roots. alopecia areata has three stages. First there is sudden loss of hair, then enlargement of the patches of hair loss. There may be a few broken or tapered hairs within the bald patches. Lastly new hair grows back, often initially colored white or grey. It may take months and sometimes years to regrow all the hair. One patch can be falling out while another is re growing. Any hair-bearing area can be affected, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard and body areas.
Some people with hair loss do not have typical round bald patches.
Alopecia totalis: • Affects up to 5% of affected individuals • All scalp hair is lost
Alopecia universalis: • Affects less than 1% of cases. • All hair on entire body is lost.
Alopecia areata incognita: • Sudden diffuse thinning of scalp hair, • May be confused with telogen effluvium.
Nail disease: • Affects 10-50% of those with alopecia areata, • Many nail changes have been described, • Regular pitting and ridging are the most common findings.
The more severe forms of alopecia areata arise unpredictably. They are more likely if the hair loss starts very young, if the initial hair loss is very severe, and in individuals who also suffer from atopic eczema or asthma.
Alopecia Areata Treatment
There are many treatments for this condition. Some are successful but some of them are just scams. One thing is for sure, there is no cure for alopecia areata. Before choosing right treatment for you consult you dermatologist and do some basic research on the internet. Most successful Hair loss products on natural basic are Marbo Activator. It is 100% natural with no side effects.
Injecting a cortisone medicine into the area of hair loss may speed up the natural regrowth of hair. For extensive hair loss, there is no reliable treatment. Steroid pills, or a special form of ultraviolet light treatment (PUVA), are sometimes worthwhile, but may result in side effects.