Symptoms of Alopecia, Causes and Treatment

What’s Alopecia?
It is also known as Alopecia areata. It is a  common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss.

It may affect just the scalp — commonly referred to as balding —.  It may also  result in hair loss across the entire body, (alopecia universalis).

These patches may connect, however, and then become noticeable. The condition develops when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

It is not limited to a specific age.  But the condition can affect anyone regardless of age and gender, though most cases occur before the age of 30.

One in five people with alopecia areata also has a family member who has experienced the condition. It often develops suddenly, over the course of just a few days. And there is little scientific evidence that alopecia areata is caused by stress.

People with alopecia areata who have only a few patches of hair loss often experience a spontaneous, full recovery, without the need for treatment.

Symptoms;

The main symptoms is hair loss. Hair usually falls out in small patches on the scalp. These patches are often several centimeters or less.

Hair loss might also occur on other parts of the face, like the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard.  As well as other parts of the body. Some people lose hair in a few places. Others lose it in a lot of spots.

One may first notice clumps of hair on one’s pillow or in the shower. If the spots are on the back of your head, someone may bring it to your attention.

However, other health conditions can also cause hair to fall out in a similar pattern. Hair loss alone isn’t used to diagnose alopecia areata.

In rare cases, some people may experience more extensive hair loss. This is usually an indication of another type of alopecia, such as:

alopecia totalis, which is the loss of all hair on the scalp.

alopecia universalis, which is the loss of all hair on the entire body.

Doctors might avoid using the terms “totalis” and “universalis” because some people may experience something between the two.

It’s possible to lose all hair on the arms, legs and scalp, but not on the chest, for example.

The hair loss associated with alopecia areata is unpredictable.  As far as doctors and researchers can tell, it appears to be spontaneous. The hair may grow back at any time and then may fall out again.

The extent of hair loss and regrowth varies greatly from person to person.

Types;

Several types of alopecia areata exist.

Each type is characterized by the extent of hair loss and other symptoms you may be experiencing. Each type may also have a slightly different treatment and prognosis.

Alopecia areata (patchy).

The main characteristic of this type of alopecia  is one or more coin-sized patches of hair loss on the skin/body.

If this condition expands, it may become alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.

Alopecia totalis.

Alopecia totalis occurs when you have hair loss across the entire scalp.

Alopecia universalis.

In addition to losing hair on the scalp, people with this type of alopecia areata also lose all hair on the face —. This also include the eyebrows and eyelashes. It’s also possible to lose other body hair, including chest, back, and pubic hair.

Diffuse alopecia areata.

Diffuse alopecia areata may look a lot like female- or male-pattern hair loss. It results in sudden and unexpected thinning of hair all over the scalp, not in just one area or patch.

Ophiasis alopecia.

Hair loss that follows a band along the sides and lower back of the scalp is called ophiasis alopecia.

Alopecia areata prognosis.

The prognosis for alopecia areata is different for each person. It’s also unpredictable.

Once you develop this auto-immune condition, you may live with bouts of hair loss. Or probably  other related symptoms for the rest of your life.

Some people, however, may experience hair loss just once.

Causes;

Harsh hairstyles or treatments:

Hairstyles that consistently use rubber bands, rollers or barrettes, or pull hair into tight styles such as cornrows, can inflame and scar hair follicles. So can incorrectly used chemical products such as dyes, bleaches, straighteners or permanent wave solutions. Depending on the degree of damage, the resulting hair loss can be permanent.

Hormone imbalances:

In women, hormonal shifts from birth control pills, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or hysterectomy can induce more hair follicles than normal to enter the dormant phase.

Illness or surgery:

The stress from sickness or surgery may prompt the body to temporarily cease nonessential tasks such as hair production. Specific conditions can also trigger it, including thyroid disorders, syphilis, iron deficiency, lupus or severe infection.

Aging:

A natural effect of growing older is slowed hair growth.

Women usually don’t go completely bald with age, but instead lose hair on the top of the head or the temples.

 

Men tend to lose hair on their temples, and are more likely than women to go completely bald, Day said.

Infections:

Certain infections can cause hair loss, including a fungal infection known as tinea capitis, which causes a form of patch hair loss.

Treatment s;

Hair weaves or wigs:

Typically expensive, wigs and hair weaves either completely cover the head or add to existing hair, restoring the appearance of a full head of hair. They are especially practical for cancer patients and those whose hair loss is temporary.

Topical creams and lotions:
Over-the-counter minoxidil (also known by the brand name Rogaine) can restore some hair growth, especially in those with hereditary hair loss. It is applied directly to the scalp. 

Anti-inflammatory medications:

Prescription steroid-based creams or injections can calm follicles damaged or inflamed by harsh chemicals or excessive pulling.

Surgery:

Men tend to be better candidates for surgical hair-replacement techniques because their hair loss is often limited to one or two areas of the scalp.

Procedures include grafting, which transplants from one to 15 hairs per disc-shaped graft to other locations. Scalp reduction removes bald skin from the scalp so hair-covered scalp can be stretched to fill in the bald areas.

Side effects include swelling, bruising and headaches.

Other medications that can be prescribed that either promote hair growth or affect the immune system include Minoxidil, Anthralin, SADBE, and DPCP. Although some of these may help with the re-growth of hair, they cannot prevent the formation of new bald patches.
Note;
If, after an initial clinical examination, the doctor is not able to make a diagnosis, they can perform a skin biopsy. If they need to rule out other autoimmune diseases, they might perform a blood test.

As the symptoms of alopecia areata are so distinctive, making a diagnosis is usually quick and straightforward.