Alopecia areata is a an autoimmune
disease that often results in unpredictable hair loss, hair falls out in small
patches around the size of a quarter. For most people, the hair loss is nothing
more than a few patches, though in some cases it can be more extreme.
Also the disease can lead to the
complete loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or, can affect the entire
body (alopecia universalis). The condition can affect anyone
regardless of age and gender, though most cases occur before the age of 30.
Alopecia areata does not directly
make people sick, nor is it contagious. It can, however, be difficult to adapt
to emotionally. For many people, alopecia areata is a traumatic disease that
warrants treatment addressing the emotional aspect of hair loss, as well as the
hair loss itself.
It has been compared by some to
vitiligo, an autoimmune skin disease where the body attacks melanin-producing
cells, leading to white patches. Research suggests that these two conditions may
share a similar pathogenesis, with similar types of immune cells and cytokines
driving the diseases and common genetic risk factors. To know more about
Autoimmune disease CLICK HERE.
CAUSES
The condition results from
'autoimmune disease' when white blood cells attack the cells in hair follicles,
causing them to shrink and dramatically slow down hair production. It is
unknown precisely what causes the body's immune system to target hair follicles
in this way.
Also it seems that genetics are
involved as alopecia areata is more likely to occur in a person who has a close
family member with the disease. One in five people with the disease has a
family member who has also developed alopecia areata.
Various researches have found that
many people with a family history of alopecia areata also have a personal or
family history of other autoimmune disorders, such as atopy, a disorder
characterized by a tendency to be hyperallergic, thyroiditis, and vitiligo.
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptom of
alopecia areata is patchy hair loss. Coin-sized patches of hair begin to fall
out, mainly from the scalp. Any site of hair growth may be affected, though,
including the beard and eyelashes.
TREATMENTS
Alopecia areata cannot be cured.
But it can be treated and hair can grow back. Try the following to help your
hair to grow back, includes drugs and some natural home remedies
(a) Some Drugs
1. Topical immunotherapy
It is used when there’s a lot of hair loss, or if it
happens more than once. Chemicals are applied to the scalp to produce an
allergic reaction. If it works, this reaction is actually what makes the hair
grow back. It also causes an itchy rash, and usually has to be repeated several
times to keep the new hair growth.
2. Corticosteroids
These are anti-inflammatory drugs
that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases. They can be given as an injection
into the scalp or other areas. They can also be given in pill form or rubbed on
the skin as an ointment, cream, or foam. The downside is that it may take a
long time to work.
3. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Involve an application of
minoxidil drug on the scalp, is already used for pattern baldness. It usually
takes about 12 weeks before you see growth, and some users are disappointed in
the results.
NB:
The use of medications that treat other autoimmune
disorders, can also help for the treatment of alopecia
areata. These medicines have different amounts of success in re-growing hair.
(b) Natural home remedies
There are some natural remedies that people claims for their
effective treatment of hair loss, but their claims has not yet proved
scientifically.
Some people recommend rubbing
onion or garlic juice, cooled green tea, almond oil, rosemary oil, honey, or
coconut milk into the scalp. While none of these are likely to cause harm,
their effectiveness is also not supported by research.
PREVENTION
Prevention of hair loss depends on
the underlying cause. Good hair hygiene with regular shampooing is a basic step
but is probably of little benefit. Good nutrition, especially adequate levels
of iron and vitamin B, is helpful. Treatment of underlying medical conditions
like thyroid disease, anemia, and hormonal imbalances may useful in prevention.
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Posted by: Lusubilo A. Mwaijengo
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