We are commonly familiar with the fact that all of a sudden someone notices spot baldness. But then what do we think? People often think some kind of insect has taken our hair. Sounds funny? But it is a common superstition. Isn’t it????
The actual reason of spot baldness is due to an autoimmune disease which is called Alopecia Areata in medical science. And like many people I have already suffered for 3 long years for this disease. So today if you want to know in details about this common problem then please continue reading!!!!
Alopecia areata, also known as spot baldness, is a condition that causes hair loss in one or more areas of the body. It frequently results in a few coin-sized bald spots on the scalp.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that causes erratic hair loss. It affects approximately 6.8 million Americans and 147 million people worldwide. Hair usually falls out in small patches the size of a quarter. Alopecia totalis is diagnosed when there is complete hair loss on the scalp. Alopecia universalis is a condition in which hair loss occurs throughout the entire body. Alopecia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, but the majority of cases appear before the age of 30.
What is Auto-immune disorder and why it is associated with Alopecia Areata?
Autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s natural defense system is unable to distinguish between your own cells and foreign cells, causing the body to attack healthy cells. There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases that affect various body parts. Alopecia Areata is linked to an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune diseases tend to run in families, so if anyone has a parent or close relative who has one, they may be at risk of developing one as well. Having a parent with alopecia areata does not assure that their child will develop the autoimmune disorder. Another possible area of research is the relationship between low vitamin D serum levels and the development of autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata.
What happens in children with alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata can occur in children. In fact, the majority of people with the condition will notice their first signs of hair loss before the age of 30. While alopecia areata has a hereditary component, parents with the condition do not always pass it on to their children. Hair loss, however, can be traumatizing for young children after the age of 5, as they begin to notice how they differ from others.
Do you know the causes & risk factors of Alopecia Areata?
In most cases, alopecia areata-related hair loss appears suddenly and without a clear cause. However, in some cases, certain risk factors may influence its development. If you have a genetic problem, risk factors that may cause hair loss include an injury, illness, or severe emotional stress. Alopecia areata can manifest itself at any age. Although age is not considered a risk factor for this autoimmune disease. Adults over the age of 30 are also less likely to have a family member with areata alopecia.
Now, do you want to know about the symptoms of Alopecia Areata?
Hair loss is the most common symptom of alopecia areata. Typically, hair falls out in small patches on the scalp. Other parts of the face, such as the brows, eyelashes, and beard, as well as other parts of the body, may experience hair loss. Some people only lose hair in a few areas. Others stumble in numerous places. Alopecia areata hair loss is unpredictable and, as far as doctors and researchers can tell, appears to be spontaneous. Hair can regrow at any time and then fall out again. The extent of hair loss and regrowth varies greatly between individuals.
What can be done to diagnose alopecia areata?
A doctor may be able to diagnose alopecia areata simply by examining your hair loss and a few hair samples under a microscope. If other autoimmune conditions are suspected, blood tests may be performed. Other blood tests that can help rule out other conditions include the following: C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, iron levels, antinuclear antibody test, thyroid hormones, free and total testosterone, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone etc.
Now like any other disease what can be the treatment of Alopecia Areata?
Doctors often suggest some medicines such as- Corticosteroid injections, Minoxidil,Corticosteroids, Anthralin etc. These medicines are suggested specially by doctors to treat Alopecia Areata.
Can Alopecia Areata Be Prevented?
Alopecia areata currently has no cure and, like other autoimmune diseases, cannot be prevented. However, with treatment, you may notice hair growth.
Regardless of the exact cause or trigger of alopecia areata, it’s critical to see a dermatologist who can properly diagnose the condition and offer the best treatment options to promote hair regrowth.
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Writer
Fahima Akter
Content Writing Intern,YSSE