Alopecia simply means the loss of hair from the head or body. It can mean
baldness, a term generally reserved for pattern alopecia or androgenic alopecia.
Alopecia has three categories:
- Androgenic alopecia – male pattern baldness
- Alopecia totalis.
This is when the entire body suffers from
complete hair loss, it is also referred to as alopecia universalis. It is similar
to the effects that occur with chemotherapy and there is no certain cure.
Alopecia areata is an acquired skin disease that can affect all hair-bearing
skin and is characterized by localised areas or even total non-scarring hair
loss. It is a hair-loss condition which usually affects the scalp,
typically causing one or more patches of hair loss and it can affect
For most patients, the condition resolves without treatment within a year, but
hair loss is sometimes permanent. In some cases alopecia areata can be seasonal.
Generally, hair loss in patches signifies alopecia areata which typically
presents with sudden hair loss causing patches to appear on the scalp or other
areas of the body.
If left untreated, or if the disease does not respond to
treatment, complete baldness can result resulting in alopecia universalis.
A number of treatments are known to aid in hair re-growth. Multiple treatments
may be necessary, and none consistently works for all patients.
Alopecia areata, as a rule, is rarely associated with any other external
or internal medical problems. Most often these bald areas re-grow their hair
What causes alopecia areata?
Current evidence suggests that alopecia areata is caused by an abnormality in
the immune system. As a result, the immune system attacks particular tissues of
the body. In alopecia areata, for unknown reasons, the body's own immune system
attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation. Alopecia areata
can occasionally be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic
disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and
ulcerative colitis. The diagnosis or treatment of these diseases is unlikely to
affect the course of alopecia areata. Sometimes, alopecia areata occurs within
family members, suggesting a role of genes.
Compulsive pulling of hair (trichotillomania) can also produce hair loss.
Hairstyling routines such as tight ponytails or braids may induce Traction
alopecia. Both hair relaxer solutions, and hot hair irons can also induce hair
loss. In some cases, alopecia is due to underlying medical conditions, such as
What are the different patterns of alopecia areata?
The most common pattern is one or more well-defined spots of hair loss on the
scalp. There is also a form of more generalized thinning of hair referred to as
diffuse alopecia areata throughout the scalp.
Who is affected by alopecia areata?
areata tends to occur most often in adults 30 to 60 years of age. However, it
can also affect older individuals and rarely toddlers. It should be
distinguished from hair shedding that may occur following the discontinuation of
hormonal estrogen and progesterone therapies for birth control or the hair
shedding associated with the end of pregnancy. There are a number of treatable
conditions that could be confused with alopecia areata.
What is the treatment for alopecia areata?
There are a variety of treatments depending on the period of time of hair loss
and the size area/areas effect. Steroid injections, creams, and shampoos for the
scalp have been used for many years and are known to be effective. Advise from
your GP or Naturopath should be sought as to what treatment is the right treatment for you.