Alopecia Areata FAQs
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata, commonly known as alopecia, is an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out. Hair loss results when the immune system mistakes hair follicles, where hair growth begins, for enemies and attacks them. Hair may fall out in a single clump in one or more small areas, or may affect larger areas of the scalp or body. The causes of alopecia are unknown, but it is suspected that a combination of genetic factors combine with a trigger in the environment to bring on this disorder.Though the disorder is more common in individuals under the age of 20, it can affect people of any age. Both mean and women develop the disease and nearly 2 percent of the population will develop alopecia at some time during their lives.
What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?
In addition to hair loss, resulting in completely smooth hairless patches on the scalp or elsewhere on the body, patients with alopecia areata may experience:
- Itching during regrowth of hair stubble, sometimes called "exclamation point hair,"
- Regrowth of hair in one area, with loss in another
- Regrowth of fine, white hair, instead of hair with original texture
There are psychological components to alopecia as well, since individuals suffering abnormal hair loss frequently feel unattractive and experience diminished self-esteem.
How is alopecia areata diagnosed?
Since there may be other reasons for hair loss, the doctor may prescribe diagnostic tests to confirm an observational diagnosis. These tests may include:
- Microscopic examination of a hair or scalp sample
- Blood tests, particularly those performed to diagnose hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Does alopecia areata ever result in permanent hair loss?
Yes, but this occurs in only about 10 percent of patients with alopecia. For most individuals, the condition is temporary. Patients are more likely to suffer permanent hair loss if they:
- Have a family history of alopecia
- Develop alopecia at a young age
- Have the condition for more than a year
- Suffer from allergies
- Suffer from another autoimmune disease
- Have extensive hair loss
- Suffer from abnormally colored, shaped or textured nails
How is alopecia areata treated?
While alopecia areata cannot be cured, several treatments are available to prevent further hair loss and to promote new hair growth. Corticosteroids, which are frequently used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, are often administered as a treatment for alopecia. Such medications may successfully keep the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and may be administered as injections, pills or topical ointments. In order to stimulate the regrowth of hair in affected areas, Rogaine or other hair growth products may be precribed. Unfortunately, none of these methods provides guaranteed results. In addition, a medication called Psoralen combined with ultraviolet light therapy, known as PUVA, may be used to treat alopecia. Psychotherapy is also useful in helping patients cope with the psychological distress caused by the condition.