Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata
Alopecia areataAlopecia areata treatment Alopecia areata causes Alopecia areata pictures

Alopecia areata


        The Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disease whose origin is still unknown. It leads to hair loss by scalp plaques. Can lead to total baldness (alopecia universalis) and even the loss of all body hair (alopecia totalis). The Alopecia areata is a common disease that accounts for 2% of dermatological consultations. It is a disease that can have serious psychological consequences.

Alopecia areata - general information


        The Alopecia areata is characterized by hair loss by non-scarring plaques with inflammation. In the case of Alopecia areata immune system cells (lymphocytes) are activated for a reason yet unexplained and are targeting the root of hair that is recognized as "foreign" by the body. Various hypotheses have been advanced to explain the induction of this mechanism. It was estimated that 1.7% of the population will develop an Alopecia areata during their lives. The Alopecia areata can occur at any age although it is more common among children and adolescents. There are recurrences in 80 to 70% of cases. Furthermore, this pathology is the cause of a physical disability or mental distress in adults as in children.

        The Alopecia areata is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the hair follicles, it causes hair loss. The Alopecia areata is a disease whose origin is unknown but probably related to an abnormality of immunity to familial genes. Alopecia areata plates are of variable size, mainly localized on the scalp. However, the plates of Alopecia areata may occur in the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes or other hairy areas of the body. Alopecia areata plates extend to the periphery and may meet to form large areas of alopecia. At Alopecia areata plates, the skin is smooth, white, and the openings of hair are sometimes dilated. When Alopecia areata is evolutionary, the hair is easily detached at the edge of the plate.

        The alopecia areata plate often heals on its own after several months of evolution even without any treatment, but relapses are frequent. Various treatments can regrow hair sometimes lasting even during severe alopecia areata. These treatments are not yet able to offer a cure.

        In general people with Alopecia Areata are in good general health with no other symptoms but a number of epidemiological studies have shown in patients with alopecia areata greater frequency of autoimmune diseases (ie diseases where the body is attacking its own structures). However there is probably there is no link between these diseases. In addition associations with these diseases have been reported: Addison, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, pernicious anemia, pemphigus vulgaris, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, juvenile diabetes. According to studies 10 to 60% of people have abnormal nails such as striations, cracks, dots, and red sandstone. These anomalies can be detected before the onset of Alopecia areata as after its regression.

Alopecia areata treatment

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        The Alopecia areata is not a serious disease but the disease seriously affects the quality of life and self-confidence. Medical care is needed, the treatment of small plates is not always necessary because they tend to disappear spontaneously.

Alopecia areata medical treatment

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        A sudden and important hair loss may be a sign of nutritional deficiency, a hormonal fluctuation or some other illness. It is important to consult a doctor. Treatment does not cure alopecia areata. There are drugs that can stimulate hair follicles to enter in the process of normal growth, but they rarely offer much satisfaction. In addition, the alopecia areata often disappears by itself after a short period of time, without making any therapy. That is why many people with alopecia areata chose not to undertake treatment. In this case, we may opt for a camouflage makeup, a complete shaving of the head or a wig.

        Corticosteroid application or injection is a good treatment. For people who lost few hair, small amounts of corticosteroids can be injected or applied directly to bare spots. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs similar to cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the body. Because these drugs suppress the immune system, they are commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases. Regrowth of hair usually starts during the weeks following treatment. The injections must be repeated at intervals of about four weeks. This is the treatment most effective when Alopecia areata is not extended to a large part of the body. However, children tolerate it less well.

        A solution of minoxidil may be applied twice daily to promote regrowth. Hair appears after about 12 weeks of treatment. This solution is not useful for people who have lost all their hair.

        Topical sensitizers that cause allergic skin reaction can lead to hair regrowth. Regrowth is usually observed after approximately 8 to 16 weeks. When administered orally, corticosteroids have a more significant impact on the immune system. This treatment is rarely used to treat Alopecia areata due to health risks it causes in long term.

Achieve the natural results by having hair transplant surgery.

Alopecia areata diagnosis, evolution, causes and symptoms

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        Experts agree that a medical consultation is essential to understand this disease, its evolution and possible action. This consultation can also see the relevance of support in psychotherapy. Participation in a support group is another way to have a comfortable life.

Alopecia areata pictures

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