UNDERSTANDING ALOPECIA AREATA
Many people who sent pictures to consult with me about hair problems. Some people wonder why their hair loss symptoms are different from others, such as patchy hair loss, hairloss in a circle looking like a coin in one spot, or patchy hair loss in many places making the hair thin all over the head. This type of hair loss is called “Alopecia Areata”.
WHAT CAUSES ALOPECIA AREATA?
The exact cause of the disease is still unknown but it is believed to be caused by a malfunction of the Autoimmune system and it is often found to be associated with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, etc.“
If examining areas with patches of hair loss, the skin colour may be normal or may appear to be pale pink. If you try to gently swipe the hair in that area, hair may easily fall into the hands. The root area of the hair is slimmer than the tip of the hair, called Exclamation Mark Hair Or it is an Exclamation point!
THE SYMPTOMS OF ALOPECIA AREATA
The symptoms of Alopecia Areata can occur in other areas of the body as well. The symptoms of this disease can occur in many places. Most of them occur within a few weeks and will not have any symptoms but there may be itching or burning before in the area of the disease and often occurs in the head area. The hair loss symptoms may be acute or gradual. Although nowadays we don’t know yet about the exact cause of Alopecia Areata. But this disease is involved in the immune system that malfunctions to destroy hair follicles, thus causing hair loss which this disease can occur in both men and women. The chance is also equal and it can also occur at any age so if anyone is experiencing this disease, don’t worry because Alopecia Areata can be treated.
ALOPECIA AREATA TREATMENT GUIDELINES
Treatment of this disease is performed by injecting corticosteroids into the skin of the problem area. This treatment requires injections every 4-6 weeks, or in some patients, the doctor will use topical steroids instead, and then the doctor may prescribe Minoxidil along with it. The hair will start to grow back 1-2 months after the treatment..