Alopecia areata is a type of autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicle, causing it to shrink and stop producing hair. It affects both men and women of all ages and can cause varying degrees of hair loss.
The exact cause of alopecia areata is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that people with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it. Additionally, stress, infections, and other ailments can cause or exacerbate hair loss in people with alopecia areata.
Symptoms of alopecia areata vary from person to person, but the most common sign is circular or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp. It can lead to complete hair loss on the face and body.The affected area may be itchy and painful, and the scalp may feel burning.
Diagnosing alopecia areata usually involves a physical examination and taking a medical history. Your doctor may also do a scalp biopsy and blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause hair loss.
There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms. Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Other treatments include topical immunotherapy, in which chemicals are applied to the scalp to cause an allergic reaction that causes hair growth, and hair transplantation, in which hair is taken from other parts of the body and transplanted to the scalp.
Living with alopecia areata can be difficult, especially for those who have experienced severe hair loss. Hair loss can affect a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence, and many may choose to wear wigs or other hairpieces to cover up hair loss. Support groups and counseling are also available for this condition. Beneficial for those in pain.
In summary, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. or diagnosed by a blood test. There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments to manage the symptoms. Living with alopecia areata can be difficult, and seeking support from someone with the same condition can be beneficial for many.
Contributor – Dr. Priyanka