Alopecia Areata

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Alopecia Areata is a form of nonscarring hair loss that is first evidenced by small, round bald patches usually on the head or facial hair.  Although it most typically presents itself on the head, it is possible to discover it anywhere on the body including patches of short body vellus hair or even in pubic hair.  The cause for this particular type of hair loss is not known with any amount of scientific or medical certainty; however, it is believed that it is a hereditary autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system targets the hair follicle and starts attacking it.

Why it generally attacks localized round patches of hair is unclear.  What is known is that there is a significant amount of T lymphatic cell activity in and around the area of hair loss which is the basis for assuming it is an autoimmune disorder.  (T cells are the body’s immune cells that attack invaders such as bacteria, toxins and other pathogens) Also unclear is what causes the body’s T cells to go on the attack but it is felt that one of the key triggers is stress.

There are various classifications of Alopecia Areata depending on extent of hair loss and location.

Although it is most common to experience small patches of hair loss approximately the size of a quarter, Alopecia Areata might be more widespread and in extremely rare cases the entire head can be affected or even the entire body.  Based on the fact that it is evidenced in so many ways it is classified as follows:

1. Diffuse Alopecia Areata
2. Alopecia Areata Monolocularis
3. Alopecia Areata Multilocularis
4. Alopecia Areata Barbae
5. Alopecia Areata Totalis
6. Alopecia Areata Universalis

If hair loss is experienced diffusely over parts of the scalp it is referred to as Diffuse Alopecia Areata, whereas if the baldness progresses to total loss of hair on the entire scalp it is referred to as Alopecia Areata Totalis.  Probably the most common form is when only a single bald spot is evidenced and then it is called Alopecia Areata Monolocularis, and this can occur anywhere on the head.  If there are multiple areas in which there is hair loss the technical name is Alopecia Areata Multilocularis and if it is localized to only the beard it is referred to as Alopecia Areata Barbae.  In the most severe cases when all body hair is lost it is diagnosed as Alopecia Areata Universalis.

Can anyone get Alopecia Areata?

First of all, it is not a communicable disease but rather a genetic predisposition to this type of hair loss.  This simply means that you can’t ‘catch it’ from anyone.  And also, just because it is a hereditary trait does not mean that if your father or mother had it at some point that you will necessarily be prone to it.  Although the disposition for evidencing Alopecia Areata is genetic, it is not written in stone that family members will always be susceptible.  It is usually first evidenced in young adults by the time they are in their twenties, however having said that, it can strike anyone at any age or any gender.  The only group that is not known to be vulnerable is tiny infants since they do not have a fully developed immune system yet.

Are there any effective treatments for Alopecia Areata or is it permanent hair loss?

Currently, there are three known forms of treatment that have had varying degrees of success with this particular type of hair loss.  The first, of course, is medications such as Rogaine or orally administered Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatories.)  Since it is an autoimmune disorder, anti-inflammatories help to reduce the inflammation caused by T cell activity.  Injections of Corticosteroids may also be administered subcutaneously (just under the skin) and topical Corticosteroids or Rogaine can be of some limited benefit.  Some pharmaceuticals that are effective against Psoriasis have been beneficial in treating Alopecia Areata and other times topical sensitizers are helpful.  A topical sensitizer that triggers an allergic reaction cans sometimes cause hair to grow!  One other form of treatment that has had a considerable rate of success is Ultraviolet Light Therapy.  The good news in all this is that Alopecia Areata is a nonscarring form of hair loss which means it doesn’t disintegrate the hair follicle so regrowth is probable.

What should I do if I think I have Alopecia Areata?

The worst thing you can do is to try to diagnose yourself!  Always consult with your personal physician or dermatologist prior to trying any self-treatments.  Although there may be natural or OTC products that can be beneficial, you need to be absolutely certain as to what is going on.  Only a qualified medical professional has the ability to give you an authentic and accurate diagnosis.  Whether or not you choose to use the pharmaceuticals or other means of treatment they prescribe is another matter.  Some patients are reluctant to use pharmaceuticals because of the side effects that they could potentially cause while others are disinclined to trust naturopathic or homeopathic remedies.  There are effective treatments that are natural as there are effective treatments that are pharmaceutical.  The choice of treatment can only be recommended.  The decision is in your hands.

Some final thoughts and words of encouragement.

Since Alopecia Areata is a nonscarring form of hair loss, there is every reason to believe that regrowth will only be a matter of time.  It could take as long as six months or so, but since the hair follicle is not destroyed, the hair should grow back without a problem.  Because there appears to be a link between psychological stress and the onset of this form of baldness, try to relax once you have been diagnosed with it.  Don’t exacerbate the situation with unnecessary stress since you know it is a temporary condition.  Use cosmetics or hair pieces until your hair grows back if you are embarrassed, but do what you can to remain calm.  This will significantly increase your chances for speedy regrowth.

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