31/10/2025
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair falls out in small, unnoticeable patches. This type of hair loss usually develops when your immune system attacks your hair follicles, causing them to fall out.
Sudden hair loss can occur on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, facial hair, and other parts of your body. It usually develops slowly and can recur years after treatment.
2. Causes of alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, meaning your body's immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign substances. Normally, your immune system protects your body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, with alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles, preventing them from functioning normally, causing hair loss.
Alopecia areata is most common in people with a family history of other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. This is also why scientists suspect that genetics may play a role in the development of alopecia areata.
In addition, researchers believe that certain environmental factors may trigger alopecia areata in people who are genetically predisposed to it.
Treatment of alopecia areata
Although alopecia areata cannot be cured, it can be improved with the following treatments:
*Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for autoimmune conditions. They can be injected into the scalp or used as pills, ointments, creams or foams. However, corticosteroids take a long time to work.
*Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is usually applied to the scalp. Some patients notice results after just 12 months, but others are quite disappointed with it.
*Topical immunotherapy: This treatment is used when your hair is falling out a lot or falling out repeatedly. In this therapy, you will use a chemical that helps create an allergic reaction, thereby stimulating hair growth. However, it can cause rashes, itching, and often requires repeated application for new hair to grow back.