Alopecia Areata is a medical condition that causes patches of hair loss, most commonly on the scalp but it can affect other areas too.

It affects around 2% of the population in the United States and while it is not considered life-threatening, it can cause emotional distress to those affected. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles as if they are foreign bodies.

In this article, we will take a look at the causes of Alopecia Areata, its common symptoms and the treatment options available.

What is Alopecia Areata? 

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disorder that usually begins with bald patches on the scalp, but can spread to other areas of the body including the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and pubic area. It can affect both adults and children, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. In most cases, the hair that has been lost will grow back within a few years, although this can depend on the severity of the condition and the cause.

What Causes Alopecia Areata? 

The exact cause of Alopecia Areata is still unknown, however it is thought to be related to an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing them to become inflamed and stop producing hair.

Various triggers have been identified as potential causes of Alopecia Areata, including virus or bacteria infections, severe stress, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications. It is also thought that genetics may play a role in some cases, as the condition tends to run in families.

What Are the Symptoms of Alopecia Areata?

The first and most common symptom of Alopecia Areata is patchy hair loss, most often on the scalp but it can spread to other areas of the body. It is also common to experience mild itching or burning before hair loss occurs and in some cases, the skin around the affected hairs may appear red or scaly.

Other symptoms of Alopecia Areata may include:

•Faster than usual shedding of hair fibers •Dry and brittle strands of hair •Appearance of miniature ‘pin pricks’ on the scalp •Nail changes such as thinning, crumbling, or ridges on the surface

How is Alopecia Areata Diagnosed? 

As Alopecia Areata can initially present as bald spots or patches of hair loss, many people may mistakenly think they have a fungal infection. If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms described above, it is important to visit your doctor so that they can diagnose the condition and rule out any underlying medical issues.

Your doctor may carry out a physical examination of your scalp and may also take a skin biopsy, in which a small sample of skin and hair will be taken to be tested in the lab. Other laboratory tests such as blood tests may also be used to determine if the bald patches are being caused by an underlying medical issue.

Treating Alopecia Areata There are a variety of treatments available for Alopecia Areata, depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, where the patches of hair loss are small and do not cause any itching or discomfort, no treatment may be needed as the hair usually grows back on its own within a few years.

For more severe cases, various treatment options are available, including:

•Doctors may prescribe steroid medications such as corticosteroids to be applied directly to the scalp or injected into the affected areas, depending on the severity of the condition. •Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical medication, may be recommended to help promote hair growth. •Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, may be used in some cases to help stimulate the hair follicles. •Oral medications such as biotin and zinc may be prescribed to help promote healthier hair and prevent further patches of hair loss from occurring. •In some cases, doctors may recommend surgical options such as scalp reduction or scalp expansion.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder that can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. It is thought to be caused by an immune system response to certain triggers, such as infection, stress, medication or genetics, and it is estimated to affect around 2% of the population in the United States.