Alopecia Areata – Hair Loss Causes & Living With It

Losing hair can scare anyone. Alopecia areata causes bald spots quickly. ³ This article explains why it happens and how to live with it. ² Read on for help. ¹

Key Takeaways

Alopecia areata makes hair fall out in small patches because of an immune system mistake.
Stress and genes might cause it, but some see their hair return within a year without treatment.
Doctors use creams, shots, or light therapy to help hair grow back. Options like yoga and support groups can also make living with it easier.
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation offers programs and support for those affected.
Good nutrition and managing stress can help improve overall health and possibly reduce the impact of alopecia areata.

Understanding Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a skin condition where hair falls out in small patches. This can lead to noticeable, often sudden, gaps in hair on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body.

Definition and Overview

Alopecia Areata is a health issue where people lose hair in small spots. Think of it like the immune system fighting its own body, attacking hair roots by mistake. ² This can lead to bald patches on the head or other areas.

Alopecia areata might change into more severe forms, such as alopecia totalis (complete loss of scalp hair) or alopecia universalis (loss of all body hair). ¹ Around 2% of folks will face this condition at some point in their lives.

Genetics play a big role, with many genes involved in making someone more likely to get it. It’s not just about genes though; stress can also kickstart this condition. But there’s hope – between 34-50% of patients see their hair come back within a year without doing anything special.

Hair loss from alopecia areata is unpredictable but not permanent for everyone.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Hair falls out in small, round patches from the scalp or other areas. This is a clear sign of alopecia areata. ³ Often, these patches show up suddenly and catch people off guard.

Besides losing hair, some might see changes in their nails like tiny dents. Stress or getting sick can sometimes start this hair loss process for certain folks. So if you notice sudden gaps in your hair without any clear reason, it could be this condition at work.

Also, keep an eye on your nails for unusual signs to spot it early.

Causes of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata comes from inside the body, where the immune system attacks healthy hair roots. This can happen because of genes or a problem with the body’s defenses.

Genetic Factors

Genes play a big role in alopecia areata. This condition connects to many genes that affect our hair, skin, and immune system. Some key genes include AIRE, FLG, HLA-DQA1, and PTPN22. ⁴ People with family members who have alopecia areata face a higher risk of getting it too. Since it’s linked to multiple genetic factors, we call this disease polygenic. ⁵

If your parent or sibling has alopecia areata, you might be more likely to get it.

With these genetic connections clear, doctors see why some families have more cases of hair loss. Understanding these genetic links helps in finding better treatments for people dealing with patchy hair loss or total hair loss from alopecia areata.

Autoimmune Response

Our bodies have a defense system called the immune system. It fights off things that can make us sick, like germs. But sometimes, it makes a mistake and attacks healthy parts of our body.

In alopecia areata, this mistake causes the immune system to attack hair follicles—the tiny structures in our skin where hair grows from. This attack leads to hair loss. ⁷

Scientists are still trying to figure out why this happens. They think genes might play a part since alopecia areata is more common in people who have family members with autoimmune diseases like lupus or thyroid disease.

Stress might also trigger it or make it worse. So, while doctors work on finding ways to stop or treat this autoimmune response, managing stress could help keep your hair as healthy as possible. ⁶

Diagnosing Alopecia Areata

Doctors start by looking at your hair loss and asking about health history. They might use tests, like skin checks or lab work, to help find out more.

Medical History and Physical Examination

Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your medical history. They ask questions to learn more. They want to know about any past illnesses or conditions you have had. This helps them understand your health better.

Then, they look at your hair and scalp closely during the physical exam. They check for signs of hair loss and other skin problems. ⁶

The doctor may also look at your nails and see if there are changes that might be linked to alopecia areata. By doing these steps, they can tell a lot about what’s causing the hair loss without needing more tests right away.

This process is key in figuring out if you have alopecia areata or another condition that affects your hair and scalp. ⁸

Diagnostic Tests Employed

Doctors use different tests to find out if you have alopecia areata. They look closely at your hair and scalp. Here’s what they do:

Examine the scalp to find any signs of infection.
Take a small piece of hair to send off for lab analysis.
Do a scalp biopsy where they remove a tiny part of the skin to check under a microscope.
Order blood tests to look for other health issues that might cause hair loss.

During these steps, doctors aim to see if there’s an autoimmune disorder like alopecia areata causing your hair loss. They check for things like pattern baldness, eczema, and thyroid problems too. The goal is to get a clear reason for the hair thinning or loss.

For example, they may find signs of ringworm on the scalp with the examination. Or, the hair sample could show how the hair falls out in patterns linked to autoimmune conditions.

The biopsy helps rule out other causes like scarring alopecia or infections that might look similar but need different treatment.

Blood tests can reveal if there’s something else going on in your body, such as thyroid diseases, which also lead to hair issues.

Together, these tests give doctors a full picture so they can suggest the best way to help you get some hair regrowth or manage living with alopecia areata better. ⁶

Treatment Options

Finding the right treatment for hair loss from alopecia areata might take time. Doctors often suggest creams, shots, or pills, and sometimes light therapy, to help hair grow back.

Medications

Doctors use different medicines to help hair grow back. One common medicine is Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine®. It usually takes about 12 weeks to see hair start to grow again. ⁶ There are other treatments too, like corticosteroids and phototherapy.

Corticosteroids can make you hungrier and change your mood. Treating severe alopecia is hard, and these medicines might not work well. But doctors try their best with what they have, including platelet-rich plasma and a special skin treatment called topical immunotherapy.

These options aim to get the hair growing once more for people dealing with this tough condition.

Therapeutic Approaches

Moving past medications, therapeutic approaches play a huge role in treating alopecia areata. Topical immunotherapy is a go-to for severe cases. It tricks the immune system to stop attacking hair follicles.

Intralesional corticosteroids get used for spots where hair loss isn’t as widespread. Patients receive shots directly into the scalp every few weeks to encourage hair growth. ⁹

Psychological support can turn things around for those struggling with their appearance.

These strategies ensure that anyone fighting hair loss has more than one way to seek improvement and comfort. Encouraging new hairs to grow while handling the emotional toll makes a big difference in overall health and happiness.

Living with Alopecia Areata

Dealing with hair loss from Alopecia Areata challenges many people daily. Finding ways to cope and get support makes a big difference.

Coping Strategies

Living with hair loss due to alopecia areata can be tough. Finding ways to handle it helps people feel better and more in control. Here’s how:

Make daily exercise a habit. It cuts down stress, which can make alopecia areata worse. ¹⁰
Try yoga or meditate every day. These practices calm the mind, reducing stress that may trigger hair loss.
Wear hats and scarves. They boost confidence and let you express yourself while protecting your scalp.
Join support groups where you meet others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can lift your spirits and provide helpful tips.
Eat well, focusing on foods rich in Vitamin D supplements if advised by your doctor. Good nutrition supports overall health, including that of your hair and scalp.
Speak to a specialist about ointment and gel options for applying directly to affected areas, which might promote hair growth or reduce irritation.

Next, we’ll explore support resources available for those living with alopecia areata.

Support Resources

After exploring coping strategies, the next step is finding support. Many organizations and programs offer help to those living with hair loss.

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) launched a wig reimbursement program. This helps cover costs when insurance falls short. ¹¹
Giving Tuesday, an event on December 3, boosts support for alopecia research with donations up to $25,000 matched. ¹¹
NAAF’s Youth Mentor Program pairs kids with alopecia with older mentors. They share tips and encouragement.
Over $900,000 was raised during the 2nd Annual Walk For Alopecia. This money supports alopecia areata awareness and research.
Local support groups provide a space to meet others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can lessen feelings of isolation.
Online forums offer 24/7 access to a community that understands what it’s like to live with hair loss.
Health professionals, such as Arturo Dominguez, MD, FAAD at medical centers like Cleveland Clinic, specialize in treating alopecia areata and can give expert advice.
Workshops and webinars teach about alopecia areata totalis, universalis, and other types by offering the latest information on treatment options.
Books and articles written by experts and those living with the condition share insights into managing daily life.
Social media platforms have many groups where members post about their journey with hair loss, offering support and friendship.

These resources ensure individuals facing hair loss are not alone in their journey.

Conclusion

Alopecia areata leads to hair loss, but it doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. Approaches like corticosteroids and minoxidil can promote the regrowth of your hair. Even in challenging times, maintaining a positive self-image is crucial.

Engaging in conversations with those who can empathize can greatly improve your outlook. So, continue a healthy diet and keep your activity levels high; it benefits both your hair and heart.

Many individuals, with appropriate care, have witnessed their hair grow back. Rest assured, this journey is one you’re not traversing alone.

FAQs

1. What is alopecia areata and what causes it?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease that results in the loss of hair. It’s caused by an autoimmune reaction where your body mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles.

2. Are there different types of alopecia areata?

Yes, there’s diffuse alopecia areata, ophiasis alopecia areata, and also a severe form known as alopecia areata universalis. There’s also traction alopecia due to hairstyling practices like cornrows or tight braids.

3. Can other medical conditions cause hair loss too?

Absolutely! Conditions like ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), depression, heart problems, asthma, menopause can lead to hair loss… Even male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness result from genetic factors.

4. How do I know if I have this condition?

Clinical signs include tingling where the hair has fallen out or changes in your fingernails and toenails… A primary care specialist will diagnose based on these signs and may even look for cadaver hairs.

5. Is there any treatment available for Alopecia Areata?

Yes! Treatments range from Olumiant (baricitinib) which is taken orally to gels that can be rubbed on the skin or applied topically… However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment plan!

6. Is Alopecia Areata contagious?

Nope! Despite being an autoimmune disorder, you cannot catch it from someone else who has it… So no need to worry about catching it through contact.

Alopecia Areata – Hair Loss Symptoms and Causes & Living With It