Alopecia areata is one of many types of hair loss. Alopecia areata involves your immune system attacking your hair follicles. This damage causes hair loss.
Much is still unknown about why the immune system attacks your follicles. What is known is that naturally occurring antibodies are mistaken as foreign antibodies and get programmed for destruction.
In a person with alopecia areata, hair loss usually begins with clumps of hair falling out. This leaves round hairless patches on the scalp. Some cases may present with thinning across the scalp. Other cases present with hair breaking off before growing very long.
It is common for individuals with alopecia areata to notice their symptoms come and go. The hair loss can be permanent and non-permanent. The hair loss is more likely to be permanent if there is a family history of the disease or another auto-immune disease, or if the hair loss is extensive.
While there isn’t a cure for alopecia areata, there has been some success with various treatment methods. The most common treatment method is corticosteroid injections in the scalp.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) has also shown to be effective in some individuals with alopecia areata.
If you think you may have alopecia areata, you should visit an experienced and certified hair restoration surgeon. A simple exam and hair analysis will determine if you have the disease.
Here at Modena Hair Institute, we specialize in the medical management of hair loss. We have years of experience treating individuals with alopecia areata as well as other hair loss causing medical conditions. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.