Alopecia Areata: What You Need To Know About Dealing With Hair Loss
Alopecia areata, or alopecia as it is commonly known, is simply described as hair loss.
This autoimmune disorder causes one’s hair to fall out in small patches. This hair loss is extreme in some cases, leading to the complete loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or on the entire body (alopecia Universalis).
Alopecia is not limited to age and gender as it affects everyone; however, many recorded cases of this disorder occur before the age of 30.
So here’s al you need to know about dealing with the hair loss condition that is Alopecia areata.
Causes of Alopecia
Alopecia is caused when cells in the hair follicles shrink and slow down hair production after being attacked by white blood cells.
However, the condition that causes this attack by the body’s autoimmune system remains unknown.
Alopecia has also been traced to genetics and is more likely to occur to a person with a close family member with the disorder.
A New England Journal of Medicine study has also shown that some people with a family history of alopecia also have a family history of other autoimmune disorders, including atopy, thyroiditis, and vitiligo.
Treatment
Sadly, there is no known cure for alopecia; however, this condition is not transferable.
One popular treatment recommended by doctors to treat this condition is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system.
Corticosteroids are usually administered through local injections, topical ointment or injected orally.
This medication, alongside others like Minoxidil, Anthralin, SADBE, and DPCP, may help with hair re-growth but do not prevent new bald patches from forming. Although some of these may help with the re-growth of hair, they cannot prevent the formation of new bald patches.
Living With Alopecia
The hair is not just for aesthetics; it also offers protection against the elements.
So, if you suffer from alopecia, make sure to:
- Always wear sunscreen.
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the elements.
- Cover your head with headwear right to protect it from sunlight or keep it warm.
- Use ointments in your nose to moisturize the membranes and protect against organisms.
Symptoms of Alopecia
The most common symptom of alopecia is the loss of hair in coin-sized patches. Before the hair starts to fall out, you might experience some burning or itching in the area.
As always, be sure to book an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis before opting for any treatments.
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