What is Alopecia areata?

What is Alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is a certain type of hair loss that happens when your immune system attacks your hair follicles. The damage isn’t usually permanent and tends to affect those under the age of 20. It is not limited to children though as men and women of any age are equally affected.

It normally begins when bunches of hair fall out leaving a completely smooth hairless patch or multiple patches on the scalp. Occasionally the hair becomes thinner but does not leave any bald spots. The hair may also grow and then break off leaving short hair in certain spots.

If bald spots are the outcome of Alopecia areata the hair normally does grow back fully within a few months. Only about 10% of individuals who have this condition will have permanent hair loss in those spots.

Alopecia areata cannot be cured but it can be treated. Most people who have experienced this condition once will likely have it again. If you notice this sporadic type of hair loss you should definitely speak with your doctor as they will be able to properly assess the situation and will be able to confirm diagnoses.

How do you treat Alopecia areata?

There are a few different ways to treat this condition. Some people may decide not to undergo treatments since hair normally does grow back within a few months. If you did want to treat this condition there are a few methods.

The most common treatment for sporadic hair loss is to receive injections of corticosteroids directly into the scalp about half an inch apart every four to six weeks. Topical corticosteroids may also be used in certain cases.

Some people chose to begin treatment of Minoxidil (Rogaine/Regaine) while undergoing the corticosteroid treatment as well.

More information about these treatment types and other hair loss information can be found throughout StopThinning.com so be sure to continue reading and check back regularly for more useful knowledge and tips for living with and preventing hair loss. Help us share this information so less people need to suffer from hair loss. If you have found this article helpful please be sure to share it with your friends.

 

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