Alopecia Areata And Hair Loss - Types, Risks And Treatment

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Alopecia Aleata is a form of hair loss that can be experience by both sexes. It covers four forms of hair loss related to the entire body with the risk and treatments covered below.

What is alopecia areata?

The most common manifestation of this disorder results in a rapid amount of hair loss to the scalp, with the possibility of one side being more affected than the other.

This condition is different to male pattern baldness as it is related to the immune system as opposed to a set of genetic factors. The immune system is fighting against the body and results in damage to hair follicles, preventing proper hair growth.

Types:

There are different types of alopecia areata including:

Diffuse Alopecia Areata - Evidenced by hairless spots on the scalp

Alopecia Totalis - indicated by complete baldness

Alopecia Universalis - Hair loss covering the entire body

Alopecia Areata Barbe - Loss of beard hair

What are the risks?

The groups most at risk of this condition are younger populations - teens, adolescents and young adults. This condition is often confused with similar looking problems such as hair loss after pregnancy or after the end of Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Risks are increased in the presence of an autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair cells.

In almost 50% of diagnosed cases, new hair growth will occur within 12 months without treatment. Any hair loss lasting longer than this period will likely be permanent.

How can it be treated?

There are a number of treatments available for alopecia areata designed to stop hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. These treatments include:

Injection of steroid drugs, corticosteroid shampoos, topical treatment applications, such as creams, oils, and drops.

Alopecia Areata medications include:

Cyclosporine, minoxidil and anthralin.

It may be necessary to combine treatments to achieve the desired affect, depending on the extent of hair loss and length of time it has been progressing.

It is possible that a main component of alopecia areata is emotional stress. Many people afflicted with this condition have reported stressful events in their lives that precluded the hair loss. Any subsequent situation that involved stress resulted in hair loss as well.

The hair loss of alopecia areata can be rapid. The risk of complete baldness is increased with delay in treatment. If you are having symptoms of hair loss, consultation with your health care provider can reverse hair loss and restore growth.

About the Author:
Jared Wright is the marketing manager of Clivir.com where people meet to learn from one another on topics such as female hair loss. You can follow the links to find more related resources such as female thinning hair and hair loss in woman.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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