What is alopecia areata?
The alopecia areata condition is a chronic inflammatory disease that
affects hair follicles; it leads to hair loss which is often reversible.
Alopecia areata is a condition whose origin is unknown but probably
related to an abnormality of immunity and family predisposition
The alopecia occurs usually by one or more areas of limited size where
there is no more hair growth. The areas of alopecia areata are of
varying size, and mainly located on the scalp. Nevertheless, the areas
can occur on the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes or other areas of the body.
The alopecia can extend to the periphery and then can come together to
form large areas baldness. Alopecia areata is not a critical alopecia,
meaning that the root of the hair is not affected or permanently
destroyed.
At the areas of alopecia areata the skin is smooth and white; the
openings of the hair follicle are sometimes dilated. When alopecia
areata is evolving hair stands out easily at the edge of the bald area.
The very attentive examination of the scalp can display short hair; we
also see some black spots at the openings when the hair should be coming
from.
Alopecia areata often heals on its own after several months of
development even without any treatment, but relapses are frequent. Many
therapeutic treatments allow re-growth of hair sometimes lasting, even
during severe episodes. These treatments are not yet able to provide a
definitive cure.
A better understanding of the condition, an exchange with other patients
through forums and discussion groups and a psychological support are
essential to help patients live better with this benign condition which
can be difficult to accept.
The exact factors behind the causes of alopecia areata are unknown. It
is believed that it is an autoimmune disorder (the body considers its
own cells as foreign and destroys them), and also many think that there
is a genetically predisposed issue. There were isolated observations of
hair loss after episodes of severe stress, but most recent studies do
not reveal a psychological factor behind the alopecia areata or trigger
flare-ups, alopecia areata is not a "nervous" illness.
The risk of developing alopecia areata during a lifetime is 1.7%. But if
there is a family predisposition, family members of a subject affected
are victims of alopecia areata on one in three occasions.
Alopecia areata starts abruptly at any age but most often in children or
young adults, it operates in episodes that can be repeated throughout
life, alopecia areata results in hair loss and / or a depilation of body
hair.
Alopecia areata in a small area is the most common form; it results in
one or more areas devoid of hair. These areas have a size and shape that
is variable, they can “join together” to form larger areas. The diffuse
version of alopecia areata is rare; it results in a substantial hair
loss that affects the entire scalp. The alopecia areata Universal has a
total and complete depilation of all body hair.
The alopecia areata is a chronic condition which often lasts several
years, its evolution is unpredictable. A small area of alopecia areata
often goes away its own without any treatment in a time variable from 3
to 12 months. The hair growth after alopecia areata are often white, we
must often wait several months before their colour returns to normal. |
