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24. Alopecia Areata :: Posted Thursday, May 24, 2001 by admin ::
Alopecia areata, the second major cause of hair loss, generally appears as patchy loss but may also occur as alopecia totalis, which involves the entire scalp, or as alopecia universalis, which involves the entire body. It occurs most frequently in young and middle-aged adults of both sexes. Although mild erythema may occur initially, affected areas of scalp or skin appear normal.. This may be anywhere on the scalp or even the rest of the body.
Alopecia areata is also an autoimmune disease but without the normal hormonal component in pattern loss. In simple terms, white blood cells attack the hair roots resulting in loss of hair. About 30% of individuals with this problem are aware of a relative with this disorder; thus, there seems also to be a genetic component. At times, scarring (cicatricial) alopecia follows scar tissue formation resulting from inflammation and tissue destruction.
A variety of approaches are currently used for treatment; all are aimed at interrupting the "attack" of white blood cells upon the hair roots. The major therapies include topical and locally injected corticosteroids ; topical minoxidil along with anthralin; various topical irritants or sensitizers; special light treatments (called PUVA); and a number of experimental drugs which alter the immune system.
It cannot be accurately predicted when the condition may become occur. An episode might be precipitated during a illness or a physiologic stress. This type of hair loss may recur at any time. New patches of hair loss can develop while older patches are being effectively treated. Sometimes hair will regrow spontaneously over a period of months to years - this is less likely with more extensive hair loss. The areas of hair loss often have spontaneous hair regrowth. The new hair may initially be non-pigmented, with pigment production resuming at a later. Intralesional corticosteroid injections are beneficial for small patches and may produce regrowth in 4 to 6 weeks.
This condition is not transmitted by contact with a person who has it - it is not contagious
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