Alopecia areata causes patches of baldness about the size of a large coin. They usually appear on the scalp but can occur anywhere on the body. It can occur at any age, but mostly affects teenagers and young adults. It is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny structures inthe skin from which hairs grow.
In many cases, the disease does not extend beyond a few bare patches but in some people, the hair loss is quite extensive. Although uncommon, the disease can cause complete hair loss on the head (alopecia totalis) or the head, face, and body (alopecia universalis).
It is not a life-threatening disease and those with it are generally healthy. But the disease has great impact on a person’s appearance and can be a tremendous source of emotional stress.
Usually there is a good chance that your hair will regrow, but it may also fall out again. One cannot predict when it might regrow or fall out. The course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people lose just a few patches of hair, then the hair regrows, and the condition never recurs. Others continue to lose and regrow hair for many years. A few lose all the hair on their head, face, and body. Even in those who lose all their hair, the possibility for full regrowth remains.
In some, the initial hair regrowth is white, with a gradual return of the original hair color and texture. The course of the disease is highly unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what will happen next is probably the most difficult and frustrating aspect of the disease. You may continue to lose hair, or your hair loss may stop. The hair you have lost may or may not grow back, and you may or may not continue to develop new bare patches.
In some, the initial hair regrowth is white, with a gradual return of the original hair color. In most, the regrown hair is ultimately the same color and texture as the original hair.
The treatment plan for alopecia areata depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, the extent of hair loss, and personal preference. For example, children may not tolerate adverse effects as well as adults.
The course of alopecia areata is highly unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what will happen next is probably the most difficult and frustrating aspect of the disease. You may continue to lose hair, or your hair loss may stop. The hair you have lost may or may not grow back, and you may or may not continue to develop new bare patches.
Many people with alopecia areata experience hair regrowth, but there may be subsequent episodes of hair loss. Hair tends to regrow more fully in people who have less extensive hair loss, no nail changes, and no family history of the disease.
Usually treatments may promote hair growth; none of them prevent new patches or actually cure the underlying disease. Consult with your doctor about the best option for you.
