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 very 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.
There is no known specific cause of alopecia areata, 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, hairless scalp hair in affected areas.
Some short hairs can be seen on the plate in the form of "exclamation."
Alopecia totalis involves the complete loss of all scalp and alopecia universalis is characterized by complete hair loss throughout the body.
Call your health care provider if you are concerned about hair loss.
If you start to notice that you hair loss, it is important to go to a dermatologist to determine whether or not alopecia or other disorder that will produce the alopecia.
There is no fully effective treatments, but among the typical therapies include:
• Topical corticosteroids of medium to very high power
• Subcutaneous (under the skin surface) steroid injection
• Ultraviolet light therapy
Irritants can be applied in the bald areas to stimulate new growth. Sometimes a biopsy may be performed on the scalp.
It is common to Full recovery of hair, but 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.
