Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly fights the hair follicles from which hair grows. This usually leads to hair loss on the head and in some cases, in other places on the body such as the pubic region, eyebrows and eyelashes.

Usually the hair will fall out in a few smaller round patches. Although in some people hair loss can be more extensive, the condition usually does not exceed beyond these bare patches. It is possible for the disease to cause a total loss of hair on the head (alopecia totalis) or complete loss of hair on the face, head and body (alopecia universalis).

Causes of Alopecia areata 

The immune system cells, also known as white blood cells, fight the rapidly growing cells in hair follicles, which is where the hair is made. The hair follicles then become smaller thus slowing down the production of new hair. Because the stem cells that feed the hair follicle with new cells are not targeted, the follicle is generally not permanently damaged and can eventually re-grow hair normally.

Although experts are unsure as to the exact reason why hair follicles go through these changes, they suspect that it is a combination of genes that predisposes certain people to this particular disease. Those who are predisposed to Alopecia areata may experience hair loss via certain triggers such as viruses, environmental factors or emotion. Any of these factors can be suspected for an attack against the hair follicles. Those people who have an immediate family relative with alopecia areata are also more at risk of developing the disease.

People who have a family member who have lost their first patch of hair before they are 30 years of age have, along with other of their family members a greater risk of developing Alopecia areata. Scientists claim that one in five people who suffer Alopecia areata have a family member who also has the same problem.
Alopecia areata affects approximately 4 million in the US and usually begins in childhood. These numbers include people of all ages and both sexes, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

Alopecia areata is in no way life threatening and suffers are generally otherwise healthy. Although it does not cause physical pain, the disease can dramatically affect a person's appearance causing them social and emotional disturbance.

However, Alopecia universalis (where a person loses their eyelashes, eyebrows, nasal and ear hair etc) can allow the sufferer to be more susceptible to germs, dust in the nose eyes and ears so they have to be very careful.

Although those who suffer from Alopecia areata generally do not have other autoimmune diseases, it can often be present in people whose family members suffer from other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, systemic lupus, thyroid disease, pernicious anaemia, erythematosus and Addison’s disease. However, there is often a presence of thyroid disease nasal allergies, asthma, atopic eczema and asthma.