What is Alopecia Areata?
Definition and Overview
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system accidentally starts attacking the hair follicles. This further leads to hair fall issues from the scalp and other body parts, like the eyebrows or eyelashes.
Types of Alopecia Areata
1. Alopecia Areata:
This is the most easily found condition when it comes to alopecia. It is marked by oval hairless patches on various body parts. The nature of the condition is unpredictable since the hair regrows and falls off at times.
2. Alopecia Totalis:
Differs from alopecia areata in terms of hairfall. Alopecia totalis is marked by complete loss of hair from the individual’s scalp however in Alopecia areata the hair loss happens in a patchy form. Hair regrowth is possible however the results vary from person to person.
3. Alopecia Universalis
This is considered the most severe form of alopecia. It is marked by full loss of hair from various parts of the body including the scalp. It is not very easily treated and needs medical intervention for longer periods sometimes even a lifetime. Hair regrowth is difficult to attain.
4. Alopecia Areata Ophiasis
This is a condition in which hair loss takes place from the sides of the head following an individual’s lower backside. It usually goes unnoticed and can be wrongly diagnosed as Alopecia areata. Hair regrowth has been difficult in this particular condition and can vary as per the treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Alopecia Areata
Common Signs
Some of the common signs of Alopecia Areata include:
- Loss of hair in a patchy format. The hair loss is significant with oval patches in parts of the scalp, beard, or other body parts. These patches include no certain redness and look clean when viewed.
- Another major observant sign is noticing the hair surrounding the oval patches. They are usually thin near the scalp and grow stronger away from the scalp. They are inverse to the natural hair noticed around the scalp.
- Surprisingly Alopecia also affects nails. The nails grow thinner and brittle over time and the person may also exhibit red marks on the nails.
- Alopecia is a condition that happens out of the blue. The progress of hairfall is rapid and the individual can notice multiple smooth oval patches all over their body.
Stages of Hair Loss
Alopecia has 4-5 stages when it comes to hair loss. The first stage is marked by an autoimmune inflammation attacking the hair follicles and leading to hair fall. The second stage includes rapid hair fall with smooth oval patches on various parts of the body. The third stage includes having no further hair loss but extremely prominent bald patches. The fourth stage includes having hair re-growth.
What is the Best Alopecia Areata Treatment?
Medical Treatments
- Minoxidil
Minoxidil, an antihypertensive and a vasodilator is used as the active ingredient in many hair growth products to target baldness. The treatment is known to be effective but comes with its side effects and should be used under the guidance of an expert.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator and when applied to the scalp increases the blood flow to the dysfunctional hair follicles to regenerate hair growth and help with hair thinning.
- Intralesional Corticosteroids
Used early on in the treatment for patients who are in the initial stages of the condition. Corticosteroids are known to fight off the autoimmune inflammation caused around the hair follicles to promote adequate hair growth. The frequency of use is subjective to each patient and it is to be applied on the bald patch directly.
- Contact Immunotherapy
Especially known to reduce the inflammation caused by the autoimmune system around the hair follicles. This treatment is only recommended when other options have failed and is only given to patients with a severe form of the condition. It is avoided since it has many side effects such as liver damage, skin infections, kidney issues, etc.
Natural Remedies
- Aromatherapy
Scalp massages and the use of essential oils have been known to help with better blood circulation, nourishment, and inflammation reduction. Some studies suggest the usage of oils and massages can help with hair regrowth however, the research is limited and the changes are short-lived.
Some oils that can be used are rosemary, peppermint, and lavender to help with certain symptom relief.
To practice aromatherapy for scalp massage it is recommended to mix a few drops of essential oil in your normal go-to oil and then apply it to the roots followed by a good massage to rejuvenate the hair follicles.
- Dietary Changes
Diet is one of the easiest and handy ways to look after your hair. Certain vitamins, minerals, and protein-rich foods are known to help with the reduction of hair fall. Foods like citrus fruits, avocados, fatty fish, berries, carrots, lentils, nuts, sweet potatoes, etc. are all known to help with hair fall issues.
What Causes Alopecia Areata?
- Autoimmune Response
In patients with alopecia areata autoimmune response is seen as one of the major causes. The body’s autoimmune system accidentally starts attacking the hair follicles, resulting in an inflammatory reaction and falling out of hair from the scalp and other body parts.
- Genetic Factors
Studies suggest that genetic factors and alopecia areata share a strong likelihood. If a person has a family history of alopecia, they might go through it too.
- Environmental Triggers
Environmental factors cannot alone be responsible for the occurrence of alopecia. They add to the existing possibility. Stress, certain infections, physical changes or trauma, etc. can all increase the likelihood of the condition in a person who may already have a chance to have it.
Alopecia Areata Self-Care Tips
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can help get all the right vitamins and minerals in your body sometimes helping in hair growth. Studies have shown that certain foods can help a person tackle the condition.
- Use Gentle Hair Care Products
Harsh chemicals usually present in locally available shampoos can worsen the condition. Harsh chemicals can result in further hairfall making the bald patches more prominent and unmanageable.
- Avoid Harsh Hairstyles and Treatments
Harsh hairstyles lead to tight gripping of hair resulting in more hair fall. In alopecia the hair near the scalp is thinner so it’s easier for the hair to break off.
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- Minoxidil, corticosteroids, and other relevant products
Regaine 2% Solution: Regaine 2% solution is a medicine designed for people who experience hair loss. This product targets a certain type of hair loss condition known as patterned baldness or androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil, an antihypertensive and a vasodilator is used as the active ingredient to target baldness. The product is known to be effective but comes with its side effects and should be used under the guidance of an expert.
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