Alopecia
Areata
Alopecia areata is an acquired skin
disease that can affect all hair-bearing skin and is characterized by
localised areas of non-scarring hair loss. Alopecia areata, as a
rule, is rarely associated with any other external or internal
medical problems. Most often these bald areas regrow their hair
spontaneously.
What
is alopecia areata

For most patients, the condition
resolves without treatment within a year, but hair loss is sometimes
permanent. In some cases alopecia areata can be seasonal. A number of treatments are known to aid
in hair re-growth. Multiple treatments may be necessary, and none
consistently works for all patients.
What causes alopecia areata?
Current evidence
suggests that alopecia areata is caused by an abnormality in the
immune system. As a result, the immune system attacks particular
tissues of the body. In alopecia areata, for unknown reasons, the
body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles and disrupts
normal hair formation.
Alopecia areata can occasionally be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. The diagnosis or treatment of these diseases is unlikely to affect the course of alopecia areata. Sometimes, alopecia areata occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes.
Alopecia areata can occasionally be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. The diagnosis or treatment of these diseases is unlikely to affect the course of alopecia areata. Sometimes, alopecia areata occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes.
What
are the different patterns of alopecia areata?
The most common pattern is one or more
well-defined spots of hair loss on the scalp. There is also a form of
more generalized thinning of hair referred to as diffuse alopecia
areata throughout the scalp. Occasionally, all of the scalp hair is
lost, a condition referred to as alopecia totalis. Less frequently,
the loss of all of the hairs on the entire body, called alopecia
universalis, occurs.
Who
is affected by alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata tends to occur most
often in adults 30 to 60 years of age. However, it can also affect
older individuals and rarely toddlers. It should be distinguished
from hair shedding that may occur following the discontinuation of
hormonal estrogen and progesterone therapies for birth
control or the hair shedding associated
with the end of pregnancy.
There are a number of treatable conditions that could be confused
with alopecia areata.
What
is the treatment for alopecia areata?
There are a variety of treatments
depending on the period of time of hair loss and the size area/areas
effect. Steroid injections, creams, and shampoos for the scalp have
been used for many years and are known to be effective. Advise from
your GP should be sought as to what treatment is the right treatment
for you.