Alopecia Areata or baldness, as it is commonly known, is an issue that is faced by many folks of either gender and from all lifestyles. This hair loss condition generally affects the scalp, although it can also affect other hair bearing parts of the body. Hair loss typically involves both males and females although the condition should not be confused with male-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, which is caused by genetic and environmental factors.
What are the Causes of Alopecia Areata
Hair loss baldness has a direct connection with the immune system and can lead to a condition called autoimmunity, which causes the immune system to attack particular tissues within the body. Although the reasons for it are not fully understood, alopecia areata comes about when the bodies immune system starts attacking the hair follicles which in turn leads to disrupted normal and healthy hair growth.
Several different patterns are associated with this condition although one of the more common is spot balding. In contrast, complete loss of hair from the scalp is called alopecia totalis while total loss of body hair is a condition known as alopecia universalis.
Although alopecia areata tends to occur mostly in children, young adults or teens, this hair loss condition can also affect toddlers as well.
AA should not be confused with excessive hair shedding, since that only happens following the discontinuation of progesterone and hormonal estrogen therapies, or with the end of a pregnancy.
How is Alopecia Areata Diagnosed
This medical condition is typically diagnosed when unusual spots of hair loss appear on the scalp, and simply tugging at the hair around the perimeter of the bald spot will tell the tale.
Although most folk’s hair will grow back on its own, for those that have suffered longer periods of hair loss, there are a variety of treatments available.
These include creams or shampoos, such as fluocinonide or clobetasol, as well as steroid injections. Topical immunotherapy medications, such as minoxidil and cyclosporine may also be considered.
Alopecia areata is one medical condition that should be properly addressed. Increasingly, more folks these days are suffering from hair loss and it is essential to have the proper hair loss treatments to regain healthy hair. With so many forms of medications available nowadays, folks suffering from AA or baldness should not be overly concerned. Nevertheless, be sure to approach your health care professional and seek hair loss information from your dermatologist, so that you will fully understand the issue.