Alopecia Areata Explained

Alopecia areata is a common disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.  It is a condition that causes hair loss, often in small, round patches on the scalp, but it can also affect other parts of the body.  Alopecia areata can be unpredictable, and the hair can sometimes regrow on its own or with treatment.  However, even after regrowth, hair loss can reoccur in the same area or in a different area of the scalp.  In some cases, alopecia areata may become chronic, with repeated cycles of hair loss and regrowth. 

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells- in this case, hair follicles.  The exact cause of this disorder is not yet fully understood, but research suggests that it may be a combination of genetics and environmental factors.  Stress may play a role in triggering alopecia areata.

The most common symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss.  The hair loss often appears as small, round patches on the scalp, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair.  In some cases, the hair loss can progress to total baldness on the scalp, which is known as alopecia totalis.  In rare cases, it can lead to the loss of all body hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows, a condition known as alopecia universalis.

There is currently no definite cure for alopecia areata, but there are several treatment options available to help manage the condition.  Current treatment options include topical corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, oral corticosteroids, topical Minoxidil, Janus kinase inhibitors, PRP injections and, in severe recurring cases, hair transplant surgery.

1. Topical corticosteroids:  These are creams, ointment, lotions or solutions that contain corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the immune system.   They can be applied directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair growth.  
2. Intralesional corticosteroid injections:  Corticosteroids can also be injected into the affected area, which can be more effective than topical treatments.  
3. Topical immunotherapy:  Topical immunotherapy involves applying a chemical to the scalp that causes an allergic reaction.  This reaction can help to suppress the immune system and stimulate hair growth in the affected area.
4. Oral corticosteroids:  In more severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.  However, this treatment can have significant side effects, so it is typically used only in severe cases.
5. Minoxidil:   Minoxidil is a topical medication that is used to stimulate hair growth.  It can be applied directly to the scalp and has been shown to be effective in treating alopecia areata.
6. Janus kinase inhibitors:  New medications, available orally or topically, have demonstrated efficacy for severe alopecia areata.
7. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy:  This treatment involves injecting plate-rich plasma from the patient, which contains growth factors, into the affected area to promote hair growth.
8. Hair transplant surgery:  Hair transplant surgery involves transplanting hair from one part of the scalp to the affected area  This treatment option is usually only recommended for patients with severe hair loss.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary from person to person, and it may take several months of treatment before any improvement is seen. While there is currently no permanent cure for the condition, there are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms.  If you are experiencing hair loss or other symptoms of alopecia areata, it is important to speak to a hair restoration expert.  With the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage the condition and live a full and active life without worrying about your hair!