Among the many potential causes of hair loss, alopecia areata is among the most commonplace. This is a condition that impacts many, yet it is not widely understood. In this post, we’re going to explain what it is and what its symptoms are, and also offer some thoughts about what you can expect if you are diagnosed with alopecia areata. We’ll also include some potential remedies and solutions.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is characterized by hair loss, but really it is a disease of the immune system. Your immune system exists to fight off foreign bodies that might make you sick; when you have alopecia areata, your immune system actually starts fighting against your hair follicles, which is, of course, where hair growth happens.
Medical experts aren’t quite clear on what causes this condition. What we do know is that it seems to impact primarily those who are age 20 or younger, though it can impact children or adults in any age group. Both women and men can be affected by alopecia areata, and the disease does not seem to favor one gender over the other.
What Happens in Alopecia Areata?
Usually, it all begins with hair falling out in clumps—resulting in smooth, round bald spots on the scalp. Alopecia areata may also lead to the loss of hair on other parts of the body. In less extreme cases, you won’t have hair loss in clumps but may notice a general thinning of your hair. The total loss of hair, including on the scalp and the rest of the body, is possible, but highly rare. Sometimes, hair that’s lost will grow back after a month or two and then fall out again.
The condition usually isn’t permanent—which is good news! Most often, the lost hair will grow back within a matter or months. In some cases, though—about one in every 10—the hair loss does turn out to be permanent. If your alopecia areata persists for more than a year, or if it occurs before you hit puberty, you’re at a higher risk for its effects being permanent.
How is Alopecia Areata Treated?
Because the effects of alopecia areata tend to be impermanent, the best way to treat it is usually with something like a hair system, or even a wig; these can help you maintain your normal appearance until your hair grows back. If the hair loss is minimal, you may even be able to style your hair in a way that masks the bald spots.
There are also topical remedies available, and, for those who are experiencing permanent hair loss, there are lasting solutions such as hair grafts, laser therapy, and, again, hair systems.
If you believe that you have alopecia areata, we welcome you to join us at New Image for a consultation; we’ll help you reach the proper diagnosis, and recommend some effective solutions. Join us at New Image today to find out about the possible answers to your hair loss!