Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss from areas of the body, usually from the scalp. It can occur at any age and affects 1% of the population, most commonly children. Hair loss tends to be rather rapid and often involves one side of the head more than the other. Alopecia areata affects both males and females. This type of hair loss is different than male-pattern baldness, an inherited condition. In 1â€2% of cases, the condition can spread to the entire scalp (Alopecia totalis) or to the entire epidermis (Alopecia universalis). The cause of alopecia areata is unknown, although in some cases, alopecia areata has been associated with autoimmune diseases. A family history of alopecia is present in about a fifth of all cases. Alopecia areata is occasionally associated with autoimmune diseases. Some autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Alopecia may also occur as alopecia totalis with complete loss of scalp hair or as alopecia universalis with total loss of all body hair. Alopecia areata appears to also have an autoimmune factor causing the patient to develop antibodies to different hair follicle structures. It affects 1-2% of the population. Certain chemicals that are a part of the immune system called cytokines may play a role in alopecia areata by inhibiting hair follicle growth. Emotional stress may also cause alopecia areata. With alopecia areata, baldness usually occurs in small, round, smooth patches. Treatment depends on the extent of the disease, and the age of the patient. For small patchy disease, intralesional steroid injections (Kenalog(r)) are the best approach. Steroid injections are commonly used in sites where there are small areas of hair loss on the head or especially where eyebrow hair has been lost. Some other medications used are minoxidil, irritants (anthralin or topical coal tar), and topical immunotherapy cyclosporine, each of which are sometimes used in different combinations. Other medications include minoxidil, irritants (anthralin or topical coal tar), and topical immunotherapy (cyclosporine), each of which are sometimes used in different combinations. Injections of cortisone into the scalp can treat alopecia areata. The most effective treatment currently available is contact hypersensitization with some studies showing 40% success rates. Alopecia Areata Get Rid Tips 1. Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) is used most commonly. 2. Stress reduction can be helpful in slowing hair loss. 3. Betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05% (Diprosone) showed similar efficacy. 4. Steroid injections, creams, and shampoos for the scalp have been used for alopecia. 5. Regular aerobic exercise can help keep androgen levels (particularly free testosterone levels). 6. Immunosuppressants applied to the scalp have been shown to temporarily reverse alopecia areata. 7. Some non-clinical treatment such as ,blackcurrant and borage oils in caplet form, and zinc supplement tablets.
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