Alopecia Areata, a common autoimmune disorder often results in unpredictable hair loss. This autoimmune disorder roughly affects about 7% of the world population and most of the cases occur before the age of 30. This disorder develops suddenly and the scientific cause of this disorder is believed to be stress.
Alopecia Areata Causes Alopecia Areata occurs when white blood cells attack hair follicles cells, causing shrinkage and thus slow down the hair production. While it is still unknown why the immune system targets the hair follicles, it seems that the genetics are involved.
Researchers have also found that patients suffering from thyroiditis, vitiligo or other autoimmune disorders are also prone to get infected by this disease. Stress is also believed to be one of the major causes of this autoimmune disorder as extreme cases of stress leads to Alopecia Areata.
Alopecia Areata Symptoms Alopecia Areata is often symbolized by patchy hair loss. In the beginning, you may experience coin-sized patches of hair fall, mainly from the scalp. However, at later stages, hair growth from different other sites such as eyelashes and beard may also be affected.
Other symptoms include:
Alopecia Areata Treatment While there is no known cause of Alopecia Areata, the condition is treatable. The treatment offered by the doctors help stop further hair loss and regrow back hairs soon. The doctor will prescribe you certain medicines that need to be rubbed into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. In some extreme conditions, the patient may also be advised photochemotherapy to promote hair growth.
There are certain alternative therapies that can also help treat the condition. This includes: