About Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata (AA) is a kind of  hair   loss   disease  in which  hair  can be lost from any hair bearing areas of the body, with more chances to affect the scalp area. AA is quite different from male pattern baldness, and can occur in a number of patterns. This disease can affect any one irrespective of their age and sex. Even though it is a benign condition, AA can create emotional stress in people who suffer from this condition.

Causes of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia is primarily caused due to the abnormal functioning of the immune system, which in turn results in autoimmunity. Due to this condition, the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles thus disrupting the normal growth of hair. This  hair   loss  disorder is also sometimes associated with other categories of autoimmune conditions such as thyroid, lupus, ulcerative colitis, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic disorders. People with a family history of AA are also prone to get this disease. In addition, factors such as anxiety, stress, and intake of certain medications are also regarded as reasons for the onset of AA.

Symptoms of Alopecia

The signs and symptoms of Alopecia may include:

• Round or oval patches of  hair   loss 

• Loss of eyelashes as well as eyebrows

• Balding

• Bald patches

• Mild itching or tenderness in the affected area

• Tiny pits on the nails

Types of Alopecia Areata

Depending upon its severity and symptoms, AA is categorized into:

• Localized Alopecia

• Alopecia Universalis

• Alopecia Totalis

• Alopecia Areata Barbae

• Ophiasis type of alopecia

• Diffusion Type of Alopecia

• Reticulated Areata Barbae

• Perinevoid Alopecia

Alopecia Treatment

The treatments offered for AA is based on its severity as well as the symptoms that a patient shows. Among many of the treatment options available to cure Alopecia Areata are:

• Medications such as Anthralin, Sulfasalazine, Minoxidil, and Cyclosporine

• Lotions and creams in the form of Rogaine, Cortisone, and Thymusil

• Herbal oils with ingredients including lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood

• Photochemotherapy

• Steroid injections like Celestone and Temovate