What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is considered to be an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the own body`s hair follicles instead of foreign invaders, causing sudden hair loss over a course of just a few days, characterized by circumscribed, nonscarring, usually asymmetric areas of baldness on the scalp, eyebrows, and bearded portion of the face. Sometimes, it can lead to the complete loss of hair on the whole scalp ( Alopecia Totalis ) or from the entire body (alopecia universalis).

The condition can affect anyone regardless of age and gender, though most cases occur at the age of 30s

One in five people with alopecia areata also has a family member who has experienced the condition

People with alopecia areata who have only a few patches of hair loss often experience a spontaneous, full recovery over 3-6 months, without the need for treatment

Despite what many people think, there is very little scientific evidence to support the view that alopecia areata is caused by stress. Extreme cases of stress could potentially trigger the condition, but most recent research points toward a genetic cause.

Be aware of the following : 

The loss of hair can be sudden, developing in just a few days or over a period of a few weeks.

There may be itching or burning in the area prior to hair loss.

The hair follicles are not destroyed, so hair can re-grow if the inflammation of the follicles subsides.

People who experience just a few patches of hair loss often have a spontaneous, full recovery without any form of treatment.

About 30% of individuals who develop alopecia areata find that their condition either becomes more extensive or becomes a continuous cycle of hair loss and regrowth.

About half of patients recover from alopecia areata within 1 year, but many will experience more than one episode.

Around 10% will develop Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis.

Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alopecia Areata, although there are some forms of treatment to help hair re-grow more quickly.

1.   The most common of treatment is Corticosteroids administered through local injections (most common), topical application, or orally.

2.   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.

3.   Alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture ( Dermapen or Dermaroller )  and aromatherapy, although there is little evidence to support these treatments.