Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. One underlying condition that may be the reason for hair loss is alopecia areata. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, but there is hope for alopecia areata sufferers.
Who is at risk?
Alopecia areata can affect anyone, but those with relatives with the condition are at higher risk. It more often strikes those who have a family history of thyroid disease, lupus, or diabetes.
What causes it and what does it look like?
This autoimmune disease causes a person’s own immune system to attack its own hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out. Hair loss is noticeable because hair often falls out in clumps similar in size and shape to a quarter. Sometimes this occurs in only a few spots, but sometimes it can happen all over the head or even all over the body. A person’s genetic makeup can trigger their body’s autoimmune response, in addition to a virus or substance the body reacts with. Every case of alopecia areata is unique because some patients have hair grow back forever, others have it grow back only to fall out again, and others have hair that never really returns. The unpredictable nature of this condition can be very frustrating to patients.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for alopecia areata, but experienced physicians like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield can provide treatment options to make the condition more livable. Some common treatment options include:
- Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that are often helpful with autoimmune diseases. These can be injected into the scalp or other affected areas. Corticosteroids may also be taken orally or applied topically with a cream or ointment. Results are typically gradual for this type of treatment.
- A topical drug called Rogaine, or minoxidil, is a baldness medication that may be helpful for alopecia areata patients. Hair regrowth usually starts to occur after about twelve weeks of applying the medication.
- Other medications are sometimes effective such as those used for a skin condition called psoriasis or those called topical sensitizers that can stimulate hair growth.
What is it like living with alopecia?
Even though there is no cure for alopecia areata, the treatment methods above may offer real help to patients. There are also cosmetic and preventive techniques that can make living with the condition easier. Some options are:
- Wearing head coverings like wigs, hats or scarves
- Using makeup to help conceal hair loss, especially in areas such as the eyebrows
- Wearing sunglasses if eyelashes have been lost
- Eating a healthy diet filled with nutrients and vitamins that can promote better overall health and potentially hair growth
- Limiting stress that can trigger the onset of speed of hair loss
If you notice that you are losing hair, schedule a consultation with our dermatologists to learn if alopecia areata or something else could be causing your condition.