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Alopecia areata, also known as alopecia areata, is one of many forms of hair loss that can affect both men and women.
Although it is a condition that may seem mysterious and unpredictable, there are ways to both recognize and treat it. In this article, we will discuss what alopecia areata is, its symptoms, how to make a diagnosis, and what treatments are available.
Correct hair growth cycle
Before we start considering the problem of alopecia areata, it is worth understanding how the normal hair growth cycle works. Hair goes through three main phases: the growth phase (anagen), the resting phase (telogen) and the shedding phase (categen). At any given time, approximately 90% of the hair on our head is in the growing phase and the remaining 10% is in the resting phase. Alopecia areata affects this cycle, causing hair to fall out in specific areas.
Alopecia areata – epidemiology
Alopecia areata is a relatively rare condition that can occur at any age. It affects both men and women, although it is more common in younger people. Alopecia areata is estimated to affect approximately 2% of the population worldwide. It is not a contagious disease or a disease resulting from poor hygiene.
How does alopecia areata manifest itself?
The symptoms of alopecia areata are quite characteristic. The most common symptom is the appearance of sudden, round or oval areas of hair loss on the scalp. In these areas, the skin may be smooth and free from any signs of baldness. Alopecia areata can also affect other hairy areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes or beard.
How does a doctor make a diagnosis?
If you suspect that you have alopecia areata, the best step is to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist. The doctor will carefully examine your skin and hair and conduct a medical interview. A skin biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to rule out other possible causes of hair loss, such as androgenic alopecia or telogen effluvium.
Treatment of alopecia areata
Unfortunately, there is no clear method of treating alopecia areata that will work in every case. However, there are several different treatment options that may be effective for some patients. These include:
- Topical therapies such as topical corticosteroids.
- Light therapies such as PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A).
- Immunosuppressive drugs that reduce autoimmune reactions.
The effectiveness of these methods may vary, so an individual approach to each patient is important. Some people may also seek psychological therapy to deal with the emotional effects of alopecia areata.
Can you reduce the risk of developing alopecia areata?
Unfortunately, there are no surefire ways to prevent alopecia areata because the causes of its occurrence are not fully understood. Some research suggests that genetic factors may play a role, so if you have a family history of alopecia areata, you may be more susceptible. However, you cannot control your genetics.
Your suggestions
If you have any suggestions about this article or would like to share your experience with alopecia areata, please feel free to leave a comment below. Sharing knowledge and experiences can help other people deal with this difficult condition.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in delving into the topic of alopecia areata, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “Androgenetic alopecia – causes, symptoms, treatment”
- “Hair and health – how to take care of your hair to make it healthy and shiny”
- “The latest methods of treating baldness – what is worth knowing?”
Remember that in case of any problems with the health of your skin and hair, it is always worth consulting a specialist who can suggest appropriate solutions and treatment.