Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. It affects people of all ages, genders, and races, and can range from a small patch of hair loss to complete baldness. While the cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of Alopecia Areata

• Sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body

• Round or oval-shaped bald patches

• Short, broken hair strands on the scalp

• Itching or tingling sensation on the scalp

• Nail changes, such as pitting, ridging, or thinning

If you're seeing any of these signs and are worried about it, you should consult a dermatologist who can look into your hair and scalp condition and provide personalized treatment plan. At Clinikally, you can connect with a doctor and get online dermatologist consultation at your chosen time and convenience hassle free. 

Causes of Alopecia Areata

• Genetics: Alopecia areata tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.

• Environmental triggers: Some people with alopecia areata report that their hair loss was triggered by a stressful event or illness.

• Immune system dysfunction: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. In the case of alopecia areata, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss.

Types of Alopecia Areata

• Patchy alopecia areata: As the name suggests, this type of alopecia areata is characterised by one or more round or oval-shaped bald patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.

• Alopecia totalis: This type of alopecia areata is characterised by complete baldness on the scalp.

• Alopecia universalis: This is the most severe form of alopecia areata, and is characterised by complete baldness on the scalp and other areas of the body.

Alopecia Areata in women

Alopecia areata affects both men and women, but it may be more noticeable in women due to societal expectations around hair. In women, alopecia areata can be particularly distressing due to the strong cultural associations with femininity and hair. However, it is important to remember that alopecia areata is not a reflection of one's worth or beauty as a person.

Alopecia Areata treatment options

• Topical corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory medication that can be applied directly to the scalp to help stimulate hair growth.

• Injections: Corticosteroid injections may also be used to help stimulate hair growth in people with alopecia areata.

• Topical minoxidil: Minoxidil is a medication that is applied directly to the scalp and has been shown to be effective in stimulating hair growth in some people with alopecia areata.

• Light therapy: Some studies have shown that phototherapy, or light therapy, may be helpful in treating alopecia areata.

• Immunosuppressants: In severe cases of alopecia areata, immunosuppressant medications may be used to suppress the immune system and help promote hair growth.

How to stop Alopecia Areata from spreading

While there is no sure-fire way to prevent alopecia areata from spreading, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk

• Avoid harsh hairstyles: Tight ponytails, braids, and other hairstyles that pull on the hair can cause hair loss and potentially worsen alopecia areata.

• Avoid heat styling: Using hot tools, such as curling irons and hair dryers, can damage the hair and potentially make alopecia areata worse.

• Avoid chemical treatments: Chemical treatments, such as hair dyes and relaxers, can damage the hair and potentially make alopecia areata worse.

• Manage stress: While it is not clear if stress directly causes alopecia areata, managing stress through techniques such as meditation, exercise, or therapy may help to reduce the risk of the disorder worsening.

Alopecia Areata Doctor

If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that you may have alopecia areata, it is important to see a doctor. A dermatologist, a doctor who specialises in skin conditions, is usually the best type of doctor to see for alopecia areata. The dermatologist will examine your scalp and possibly do a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

How I cured my Alopecia Areata

It is important to note that there is currently no known cure for alopecia areata. While some people may experience spontaneous remission, or a sudden return of hair growth, for most people with alopecia areata, the condition is chronic and requires ongoing treatment. However, this does not mean that you cannot manage your alopecia areata and achieve good results with treatment. Many people with alopecia areata are able to achieve significant hair regrowth with the right treatment plan.

Things to avoid when you have Alopecia Areata

• Avoid picking at or scratching your scalp: Picking at the scalp or scratching can cause further hair loss and potentially worsen alopecia areata.

• Avoid tight hairstyles: As mentioned earlier, tight hairstyles that pull on the hair can cause hair loss and potentially worsen alopecia areata.

• Avoid harsh hair care products: Using harsh hair care products, such as those that contain sulphates and alcohol, can damage the hair and potentially make alopecia areata worse.

What is the main cause of Alopecia Areata?

The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some research suggests that alopecia areata may be triggered by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, such as stress or illness.

How do You deal with Alopecia Areata?

Dealing with alopecia areata can be emotionally challenging, as hair loss can be distressing and can affect self-esteem. However, it is important to remember that alopecia areata is a medical condition that is not your fault and that it does not define you as a person. Here are some tips for managing alopecia areata:

• Seek support: It can be helpful to talk to others who are also dealing with alopecia areata or to seek support from a therapist or support group.

• Explore treatment options: Work with your dermatologist to explore treatment options and find a treatment plan that works for you.

• Embrace your appearance: While it can be difficult, try to embrace your appearance and focus on the things that make you unique and special.

What is the Fastest Way to Cure Alopecia Areata?

As mentioned earlier, there is currently no known cure for alopecia areata. While some people may experience spontaneous remission, for most people with alopecia areata, the condition is chronic and requires ongoing treatment. However, this does not mean that you cannot manage your alopecia areata and achieve good results with treatment. Many people with alopecia areata are able to achieve significant hair regrowth with the right treatment plan.

In conclusion, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and can range from a small patch of hair loss to complete baldness. While there is currently no known cure for alopecia areata, many people with the condition are able to achieve good results with treatment. If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that you may have alopecia areata, it is important to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.