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Alopecia Areata: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Alopecia Areata occurs in males and females of
all ages and races; however, onset most often
begins in childhood and can be psychologically
devastating. Although
Alopecia Areata is not life-threatening, it most
certainly changes the life of the person
suffering from it.
And
with its sudden onset, recurring episodes, and
unpredictable course, alopecia areata has a very
real psychological impact on the men, women and
children whose lives are disrupted by the
disease. At present, there is neither a cure for
alopecia areata nor drugs approved for its
treatment.
 Alopecia
areata is an autoimmune medical condition that
causes round patches of hair loss, and can lead
to total hair loss.
The
exact cause of alopecia areata is still unknown.
About 20 percent of men and women experiencing
alopecia areata have a family history of
alopecia.
According to the National Library of Medicine,
Alopecia Areata is generally thought to be an
autoimmune condition. This occurs when the
immune system turns upon the body itself and
mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body
tissue.
Alopecia areata has presented in men, women, and
children with no regard to age or gender. A
major life event such as an illness, pregnancy,
or trauma may occur before such hair loss but
this is not necessary true for all individuals
suffering from Alopecia Areata.
Alopecia, a generic term for "hair loss" takes
three principle forms, including:
-
Alopecia areata -- patches of hair loss,
usually on the scalp, but they also can be
in the beard or other areas
-
Alopecia totalis -- complete loss of scalp
hair
-
Alopecia universalis -- total loss of all
body hair
Permanent hair loss has been know in individuals
suffering from any of these three major forms of
alopecia. There is presently no know cure for
the condition.
The Facts About Alopecia
Areata
Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune
disease, in which the immune system, which
is designed to protect the body from foreign
invaders such as viruses and bacteria,
mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny
cup-shaped structures from which hairs grow.
This can lead to hair loss on the scalp and
elsewhere.
In most cases, hair falls out in small, round
patches about the size of a quarter. In many
cases, the disease does not extend beyond a few
bare patches. In some people, hair loss is more
extensive.
What Are It's Causes?
In
alopecia areata, immune system cells called
white blood cells attack the rapidly growing
cells in the hair follicles that make the hair.
The affected hair follicles become small and
drastically slow down hair production.
Fortunately, the stem cells that continually
supply the follicle with new cells do not seem
to be targeted. So the follicle always has the
potential to regrow hair.
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Who Is Most Likely To Get Alopecia?
Alopecia areata affects an estimated
four million Americans of both sexes
and of all ages and ethnic
backgrounds. It often begins in
childhood.
If you have a close family member
with the disease, your risk of
developing it is slightly increased.
If your family member lost his or
her first patch of hair before age
30, the risk to other family members
is greater.
Overall, one in five people with the
disease have a family member who has
it as well. |
Will My Hair Ever Grow Back?
There is every chance that your hair will
regrow, but it may also fall out again. No one
can predict when it might regrow or fall out.
The course of the disease varies from person to
person.
What Can I Expect Next?
The
course of alopecia areata is highly
unpredictable. The hair you have lost may or
may not grow back, and you may or may not
continue to develop new bare patches.
Alopecia Areata: Coping with the Disease?
How
does a man, woman or child cope with Alopecia
Areata and enjoy a rich, happy, active
lifestyle? This is a common question,
particularly for children, teens, and young
adults.
Living with hair loss can be hard, especially in
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link below.
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