About alopecia
A non-infectious immune disease, which occurs at different ages, varies from person to person.
The disease causes hair loss from the scalp, and in other places of the body.
Hair loss is its first sign; it usually starts on the scalp.
Some drugs aid in the disease's the reduction and management.
This condition cannot be avoided or prevented, but it can be controlled.
Alopecia is a non-contagious immune disease that causes hair loss in one or multiple areas of the scalp, face, or body, without leaving scars or marks. The disease affects people of different ages, but most cases develop for the first time in childhood.
Other labels:
Baldness - autoimmune alopecia.
Types of alopecia:
Logical alopecia: it is a hair loss in the form of spots.
Total alopecia: it is the loss of all scalp hair.
Systemic alopecia: it is the loss of hair in the entire body.
Causes of alopecia
The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss; several factors lead to its appearance, but the exact cause of alopecia is still unknown.
Risk factors
There are factors that, in turn, contribute to stimulating the immune system to attack hair follicles, including:
The genetic factor.
Family history.
infection by immunological disorders.
a few catalysts and environmental circumstances.
Virus or bacteria infection
psychological stress
Other conditions that might be present in alopecia:
Alopecia patients are more likely to acquire other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease and vitiligo.
Allergies, eczema, hay fever, and asthma (allergic rhinitis).
Symptoms
Hair loss is the first sign of the disease; it usually starts on the scalp, and may also occur in the beard, eyebrows, pubic hair, arms, and legs, and may be in the form of:
Suddenly bald patches take on a round, or oval shape.
Bald patches with a smooth texture, devoid of hair outgrowths.
It is possible that alopecia affects the nails of the hands or feet, where they appear as scratches, white spots, roughness, or lose their shine. Rarely there is a change in The Shape of the nails, or their falling out.
When should I visit a doctor?
When hair loss is observed suddenly, the appearance of bald spots, as sudden hair loss can indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.
Complications:
Patients with alopecia areata are at risk of mental, and social disorders such as depression, and anxiety.
Treatment
There is no definitive cure for it, as the result of treatment depends on the immune system's response, and hair often grows back on its own. Some drugs help to reduce the disease, control it, and may also help to regrow hair more quickly, and these drugs include:
Corticosteroids: a drug that suppresses the immune system, in the form of a cream, lotion, or topical ointment applied to the skin.
Corticosteroid pills: they are not routinely prescribed, as they have serious side effects.
A medication for hair growth is minoxidil.
Anthralin is a medication that affects how the skin's immune system works.
Radiotherapy.
To get optimal outcomes, the patient could require many treatments.
Prevention
The disease cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled by following health guidelines.
Guidelines for people with alopecia areata:
Avoid chemically treating hair.
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, because malnutrition may lead to temporary hair loss.
Use of sunscreens.
Wear prescription glasses, or sunglasses; to protect the eyes from the sun and dust, and when eyebrows or eyelashes are missing.
Wear hats or scarves to protect the scalp from the sun.
Questions about alopecia
Does hair grow back after treatment
Mostly yes, and it is possible to grow hair without treatment, but new hair loss may occur. The result of treatment depends on the response of the immune system to it.
Can hair disappear and not grow back?
Yes, it is possible, when hair loss spreads in many scattered places, the chance of not growing it is greater.
Misconceptions
Hair loss always indicates alopecia areata disease.
Truth: No, not every hair loss indicates that it is alopecia, but there are several reasons for hair loss, including exposure to stress, and psychological pressure, and it also happens to women after childbirth and others