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Alopecia
Definition
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease. The immune system is typically responsible for defending the body against external threats like viruses and bacteria, erroneously attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Prevalence
The lifetime incidence of Alopecia Areata is approximately 2% worldwide. Here are some key points about Alopecia Areata –
- Some patient show family history of Alopecia Areata.
- Alopecia Areata often develops suddenly, over the course of just a few days.
- People with mild patchy Alopecia Areata often experience a spontaneous, full recovery, without the need for treatment.
Types of alopecia areata
- Alopecia Areata Patchy
- Alopecia Areata Totalis
- Alopecia Areata Universalis
Patchy Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is the most common variation of the autoimmune disease, presents itself as round, smooth patches of various sizes.
Coin-sized patches of hair loss, primarily on the scalp. However, any area of hair growth can be affected, including the beard – known as alopecia barbae and the eyelashes
Alopecia Areata Totalis
Alopecia areata totalis is a form of alopecia areata characterized by complete loss of hair on scalp.
Risk factors
- It is an autoimmune disease.
- It often affects children and adults younger than 40 years.
- Genetic factors may also predispose some individuals.
- Stress – chronic stress can weaken the immune system impairing its ability to support normal hair growth.
Alopecia Areata Universalis
Definition:
Alopecia areata universalis is the rarest/advanced form of alopecia areata and presents itself as the loss of hair over the entire scalp and body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, chest hair, armpit hair and pubic hair. It is the most severe form of alopecia areata.
Risk factors
- Unknown cause
- Auto-immune disease
- Genetic and Environmental factors
Symptoms
Complete loss of hair across both the scalp and body. Most individual with Alopecia Universalis do not exhibit other signs or symptoms, but some may experience sensation of burning or itching.
Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata
Physical examination: The most characteristic diagnostic finding is the presence of circumscribed hair loss patches or large alopecia areas in otherwise normal appearing skin areas
Scalp biopsy to rule out other conditions that cause hair loss like tinea capitis, etc.
Blood test depending on the particular disorder the doctor suspects.
Other blood tests that can help rule out other conditions include the following:
- C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- Iron levels
- Free and total testosterone.
- Follicle stimulating and Luteinizing hormone.
