Information on Alopecia

---

Causes and Effects of Alopecia Areata

What is Alopecia Areata?Alopecia areata is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by the sudden onset of hair loss in small, circular patches on the scalp. In some cases, it may lead to total body hair loss. The affected skin areas typically appear normal, and while it can affect hair anywhere on the body, it most commonly occurs on the scalp and beard.

• Prevalence and Risk: At any given time, around 0.2% of the world's population experiences alopecia areata, with an estimated lifetime risk of 1.7%. While it is a common cause of sudden hair loss, it is less frequent than androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium. It affects both sexes equally, with a higher incidence in younger age groups. It is the most common form of alopecia observed in children. Approximately 15% of cases have a familial occurrence, but the presentation of the disorder varies among family members. Around 5% of patients progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia areata totalis), and 1% experience alopecia areata universalis, resulting in the loss of all body hair.

Detection of Alopecia AreataThe onset of alopecia areata is typically rapid, either halting after the appearance of a few patches or advancing to cause widespread baldness across the scalp or body. A distinguishing feature is the presence of "exclamation point hairs" near the edges of bald patches. These hairs are narrower close to the base of the root, indicating a compromised anchoring of the hair to the scalp.

Causes of Alopecia AreataAlopecia areata originates from immune system dysfunction. The immune system erroneously targets hair follicles in specific scalp areas with actively growing hairs. As only actively growing hairs are affected, follicles with hairs in a resting phase remain unaffected. The attacked follicles lose only the actively growing hair, retaining the ability to produce new hairs and re-enter the hair production cycle.

While the specific triggers of alopecia areata remain unknown, factors such as emotional or physical stress, viral infections, or certain medications may play a role. Additionally, it is often associated with other autoimmune diseases like lupus, vitiligo, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention of Hair LossAlopecia areata cannot be prevented.

Stopping Hair LossGiven the high rates of spontaneous recovery in alopecia areata cases, particularly in milder instances, no treatment may be the best option for some patients. Between 35% and 50% of cases witness hair regrowth within a year. In severe cases (less than 10%), full recovery is rare. Nevertheless, topical or injectable treatments, along with phototherapy, may expedite recovery in more severe cases. Each case should be individually assessed by a dermatologist to determine the most suitable treatment. In instances where alopecia areata co-occurs with another autoimmune disease, close monitoring and appropriate treatment are advised.