Hair Loss- Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is associated with temporary hair loss from the face and other areas of the body. The condition happens suddenly and results in patchy hair loss. The hair loss may be on the face or parts of the scallop. The area becomes completely devoid of hair follicles and appears smooth and white.

The hair loss is rapid and usually involves one side of the face/scalp more than other. The hair loss may last a few months to a few years. There are no symptoms like itching or redness associated with alopecia areata.

The condition occurs in both males and females and is even seen in children but not infants. It is not contagious and is not associated with any health hazard.

The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. But here are many speculations. Some claim that it is related to stress, a viral infection and other claim that it is autoimmune (your own body's cell react and kill the hair cells) or bad luck. The hair loss occurs suddenly and most men are in good health and young. It is not known if there is a genetic link with alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata is sometimes associated with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Sometimes, alopecia areata occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes and heredity.

The hair loss is either localized or diffuse.

When the individual is examined, the typical finding of alopecia areata is the "exclamation point" hair. These broken off hairs are narrower at the scalp with a broad apex and look like an exclamation sign. The diagnosis of the condition is made upon clinical grounds and other tests are required. Only in the very rare case is a biopsy of the skin required.

The good thing about the disorder is that the condition is temporary and the hair does grow back. The hair which regrows may be white or thin, but the original texture and color do return sometime in the future In most cases, the hair loss persists for a few months and then all of a sudden the hair reappears. The condition can recur a few times.

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