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Alopecia areata and Its Treatment
By peace | March 8, 2006
Alopecia areata affects about 1.7% of the US population. This condition is seen in both men and women, and is often first seen in childhood. There are three types of alopecia areata that affect extensive areas of skin:
- Alopecia areata is mild, patchy hair loss on the scalp, and may also affect the growth of hair at other body sites.
- Alopecia totalis is the loss of all scalp hair.
- Alopecia universalis is the loss of scalp and all body hair.
Alopecia areata is thought to be caused by an inflammatory response. This inflammatory response is caused by the body’s immune system erroneously attacking hair follicles. The attack on the hair follicles causes the hair to enter a resting phase, which is followed by a shedding phase. New hair will not grow until the immune cells cease attacking the follicle. Approximately 20 to 30% of people with alopecia areata have a family history for this condition.
Alopecia areata is self-limiting (will halt on its own) in more than 80% of the cases. In particular, the condition is usually self- limiting when the hair loss occurs after puberty. Hair growth may begin immediately after hair loss, or it may begin again several months to years after the initial manifestation of hair loss.
The more extensive the condition, the less likely that there will be improvement without therapy.
Treatment of alopecia areata
Treatment for alopecia areata is determined by the extent of hair loss, which is established by your physician. There are four main types of therapy:
-Topical or locally injected corticosteroids, usually used when there is less than 50% hair loss. Corticosteroids have a multitude of effects that lead to suppression of the inflammatory response. Topical minoxidil may also be effective in individuals with patchy alopecia areata.
- Oral corticosteroids, which may be used when there is greater than 50% hair loss
- PUVA treatment–infrequently used. PUVA therapy involves ingesting a light-sensitive drug, followed by short exposure to UVA light.
- Immunosuppressive therapy, such as cyclosporine. Immunosuppressive therapy is reserved for the more severe forms of alopecia areata, and it requires close supervision by your physician.
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