Alopecia areata (hair loss in areas) is believed to cause inflammation of the hair follicles which leads to hair loss. It is thought to affect 1 or 2 people in 1,000.
This condition can develop within people of any age, but it seems to be particularly common in young people aged between 15 and 29. According to Bupa statistics, 6 out of 10 people with alopecia see it begin when they are under the age of 20.
Symptoms can include patchy hair loss which are most likely to be found on the scalp, but can affect the eyebrows, eyelashes or beard.
Exposed skin can be smooth and healthy looking but could sometimes be red or scaly. Also, nails may be pitted, split or have grooves running across them.
About 1 in 5 people with this condition also has a family member with alopecia which suggests that genes could be significant, although other factors are known to play their part. For example, those people with conditions which affect the immune system and particular skin conditions like eczema could be more at risk.
Alopecia areata often goes away on its own accord, and in 3 out of 10 people, it can grow back without treatment.
Many of those who suffer from alopecia may use wigs, hats or bandanas to cover the problem, but there are other treatments which can be used to encourage the hair to grow back. The most common treatments can involve steroid creams, ointments and lotions. Corticosteroid injections are also sometimes offered, although these can have side effects.
Alopecia areata is characterized by the appearance of a bald spot. Usually this bald spot comes and goes; that is, it appears on one area of the scalp at one time, and appears on a different scalp area at another. It is mainly considered to be an autoimmune disorder and no cure has been found for it.
No comments:
Post a Comment