Alopecia areta, commonly termed as hair loss, is a condition distinguished by the fast commencement of hair shedding in a sharply defined area. Any area in the human body that bears hair can be inflicted with this disease; however, the most noticeable part is the scalp. What brings about the onset of hair loss is not entirely known. There are some cases of hair loss that are associated with other illnesses, although in most cases, it is not. To determine the best treatment for this disease, a lot of researches are currently being done.
In the hopes of determining the real cause of hair loss, scientists have a number of different hypotheses. Some experts observe that genetic factor appear to play a significant role since there is an increased chance of a family history of hair loss in people who are suffering from the illness. Autoimmune factors also seem to play an important part in causing a certain person to develop antibodies to various hair follicle structures. Cytokines are certain chemicals that are involved in the immune system. They are also hypothesized to have been the cause of alopecia areta since they can inhibit the growth of hair follicle. Emotional stress, as suggested by some researches, may also lead to hair loss.
The patch of alopecia is usually characterized as round or oval, and is entirely smooth and bald. At the margin of the patch, some “exclamation mark” hairs may be found. These so called “exclamation mark” hairs are broken short hairs that get thinner at its base. When these hairs are pulled out slightly, they fall out. Slight burning or tingling sensation in the area of hair loss may be experienced by some people.
The advancement of hair loss is totally unpredictable. While there are people who lose their hair in only small patch, there are others who may experience more widespread involvement. The condition where in one has lost 100 of scalp hair is called alopecia totalis, while the loss of 100 of the body hair is termed as alopecia universalis. Both alopecia totalis and unversalis are rare. In most cases, the hair will eventually grow back again entirely within 1 year without undergoing any treatment.
Hair loss can be treated through a number of various treatments. The most common treatment is by observation. It is only but logical to observe the condition if the patch of hair loss is only small and permit the hair to grow back on its own. The application of a strong steroid medication like Temovate to the hair loss patch is also another option. This method will take several months in order for the hair to grow back. Steroidal injection, such as Celestone is another treatment option for alopecia areta. It involves the injection of the drug into the affected scalp skin. In around 4 to 8 weeks, you may observe an initial re growth of the hair in the injected areas. The treatment can be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks, however, the procedure may cause some side effects such as the thinning of the skin.
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