Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a fairly common, non-contagious, non-scarring hair loss condition. It can occur in men, women and children of all ages and races. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) estimates about 2 percent of the American population will be affected at some point in their lives by alopecia areata. That's approximately four and a half million people in the U.S.

Symptoms

People with alopecia areata typically lose hair on the scalp in smooth, round patches causing bald spots, typically about the size of a coin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Sometimes the condition can include the loss of all hair on the head (alopecia totalis) or even the loss of all hair on the body (alopecia universalis). According to NAAF, the hair loss is most often temporary, but it can re-occur. The size of the bald patches, the number of patches, the time between hair loss and normal re-growth and the duration of episodes is impossible to predict.

Causes

The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the condition is associated with the body's immune system. (Read about "The Immune System") Recent research suggests something triggers the immune system to act as if the hair follicles or hair are "foreign tissue" and must be eliminated from the body. White blood cells attack affected hair follicles and disrupt normal hair formation. The follicles become very small and grow no hair for months or years. But no matter how widespread the hair loss, the follicles remain alive and are ready to resume production when they receive the signal from the body.

According to the NAAF, what triggers alopecia areata is a mystery. It is not known if it comes from outside the body like a virus or from the inside. However, NAAF says recent research indicates some people have genetic markers (Read about "Genetics") that increase the risk of developing alopecia areata, as well as dictating how severe the condition will become.

Heredity seems to play a role. NAAF says in one out of five people with alopecia areata, someone else in the family also has it. Alopecia areata most often occurs in families whose members have other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, lupus, early-onset diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. (Read about "Allergies" "Thyroid" "Diabetes" "Lupus" "Rheumatoid Arthritis")

No cure, only treatment

Alopecia areata runs an unpredictable course. It may only last for a short period of time or it may linger for years and can reoccur at any time. In many cases, hair will grow back by itself, but slowly.

There is no permanent cure for alopecia areata. AAD does say that there are some treatments possible. NAAF lists various treatments but warns none is universally effective.

• Cortisone injections or pills - injections are made directly into the bare patches. Cortisone pills are much stronger and may have side effects.
• Topical minoxidil - 5 percent topical minoxidil solution is applied to bald spots.
• Anthralin cream or ointment - is used widely for the treatment of psoriasis and may cause irritation to the skin. (Read about "Psoriasis")
• Topical immunotherapy - chemicals are applied to the scalp to produce an allergic rash that may result in hair re-growth.

Coping

Alopecia areata can have a profound effect on one's life. Although not life threatening, alopecia areata is most certainly life altering and its sudden onset, recurrent episodes and unpredictable course may have a psychological impact on the lives of those with the condition and their families. Sufferers often feel like they are alone, that no one knows or understands what they are going through. The benefits of a support group can be invaluable.

Related Information:

    Skin

    Immune System Glossary