What is Alopecia Areata ?

Alopecia Areata is one type of hair loss that typically causes patches of baldness. In some cases, total baldness develops. In many cases, the hair re-grows, typically after several months. In some cases, the hair loss is permanent. Treatments to promote hair re-growth work in some cases Alopecia areata can occur at any age but most cases first develop in teenagers and children. At least half of the people with alopecia areata develop their first patch of hair loss before they are 21. Males and females are equally affected. The condition tends to be milder when it first develops at an older age. Apart from the bald patch or patches, the scalp usually looks healthy and there is no scarring.

Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune disease. This occurs when your own immune system damages healthy cells in your own body. The immune system makes white blood cells (lymphocytes) and antibodies to protect against foreign objects such as bacteria, viruses, and other germs. It is not known why it is common for only certain areas of the scalp to be affected. Also, the affected hair follicles are not destroyed. Affected hair follicles are capable of making normal hair again if the immune reaction goes and the situation returns to normal.

The most common form of alopecia areata treatment is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system. These can be administered through local injections (most common), topical ointment application, or orally. Scalp microblading/ micro pigmentation is another alternative , to camouflage the patches.