Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata - The partial or total loss of hair is called alopecia. Alopecia Areata is a type of alopecia that usually occurs in the form of plaques in the scalp, is characterized by patchy hair loss with microscopic inflammation that occurs in well-defined nummular areas.



Can occur at any age and affects both sexes equally. Is estimated to affect one in every thousand people and is often refractory to medical therapy.



The cause of alopecia areata specific, although about a fifth of all cases, is a family history of alopecia. This disease is occasionally associated with autoimmune diseases.



The primary symptom of alopecia areata is roundish patches of hair loss on the head, with smooth and scalp hair in affected areas.



Short hairs can be seen in the plate-shaped exclamation point. " Alopecia totalis involves the complete loss of all scalp and alopecia universalis is characterized by total loss of hair on the body.



Call your health care provider if you are concerned about hair loss.



If you start to notice that you hair falls out, it is important to go to a dermatologist to determine whether or not alopecia or other disorder that produces the alopecia.



There are no fully effective treatments, but Typical therapy may include:

• Topical corticosteroids of medium to very high power

• Subcutaneous (under the skin surface) steroid

• Ultraviolet light therapy



Irritants can be applied to hairless areas to promote regrowth. Sometimes a biopsy may be performed on the scalp.



It is common to Full recovery of hair, however, alopecia areata occurring at a young age, prolonged alopecia, or the presence of eczema (atopic dermatitis) often predicts a poorer outcome. The loss of hair permanently is a possible complication of alopecia areata.