Alopecia
Alopecia areata is a problem affecting humans, in which hair is lost from areas of the body, usually from the scalp making a patchy appearance.
In 1%- 2% of cases, the condition can spread to the entire scalp (Alopecia totalis) or to the entire epidermis (Alopecia universalis).
The condition affects 1%- 2% of humans occurring in both men and women.
Alopecia areata occurs in people who are apparently healthy and have no skin disorder and can happen with people of all ages. Alopecia areata is not contagious. It occurs more frequently in people who have affected family members, suggesting that heredity may be a factor. In addition, it is slightly more likely to occur in people who have relatives with autoimmune diseases.
The condition is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own hair follicles and suppresses or stops hair growth. An unknown environmental trigger such as emotional stress or a pathogen is thought to combine with hereditary factors to cause the condition.
As with most autoimmune diseases, alopecia areata is associated with increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, specifically systemic lupus erythematous or SLE.
Effects of alopecia areata are mainly psychological (loss of self image due to hair loss). However, patients also tend to have a slightly higher incidence of asthma, allergies, atopic dermal ailments, and even hypothyroidism. Loss of hair also means that the scalp burns more easily in the sun. Loss of nasal hair increases severity of hay fever and similar allergic conditions. Patients may also have aberrant nail formation because keratin forms both hair and nails.
Treatments include: topical steroid lotion, Light therapy, and intralesional steroid therapy all have limited success.
If you have a reason to think you are suffering with the above condition please contact myself your GP or follow the links to the Institute of Trichologists to find your nearest Qualified Trichologist*.
* Hair specialist