AA1

Localised Hairloss ( Alopecia Areata)

 

Alopecia areata, also known as spot baldness in which hair lost in small circular or coin size patches of scalp baldness. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own hair follicles and stops them from growing. The condition can spread to the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or to the entire skin (alopecia universalis).

There are two types:

  1. Scarring Alopecia, where there is fibrosis, inflammation, and loss of hair follicles
  2. Nonscarring Alopecia, where the hair shafts are gone but the hair follicles are preserved, making this type of alopecia reversible

These patches usually regrow in three to six months without treatment, but in severe cases the patches may multiply.

How to Diagnose?

Alopecia areata is usually diagnosed based on clinical features. Trichoscopy may aid in establishing the diagnosis. A biopsy is rarely needed to make the diagnosis or aid in the management of alopecia areata.

What is the Treatment Available

  • Treatment for alopecia areata include injecting small amounts of steroids like triamcinolone into affected patches to stimulate hair growth.
  • Oral steroids,  immunosuppressives, or ultraviolet light therapy, are available for more widespread or severe cases