Alopecia areata: Causes and Effective Treatments

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss. It affects 2% of the population, impacting quality of life. Early diagnosis and targeted treatments, including natural products, can promote hair regrowth and psychological well-being.

Maria, a 28-year-old woman, woke up one morning and noticed a patch of missing hair on her head. She was worried and confused. She came to our salon, and our specialized trichologists told her she had alopecia areata.

About 2% of people have had at least one episode of alopecia areata. This condition affects everyone, men and women, children and the elderly. It can cause rapid hair loss in specific areas of the scalp or beard.

Alopecia areata can affect the lives of those who suffer from it. It can cause emotional stress and isolation. But there are treatments that can help restore hair growth and improve psychological well-being.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of alopecia areata and the most effective treatments. We want to offer hope to those who, like Maria, suffer from this condition.

Key Points

• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition affecting about 2% of the global population.
• Characteristic symptoms include sudden and rapid hair or body hair loss in localized areas of the scalp or beard.
• Genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, and stress can contribute to the development of alopecia areata.
• Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and the use of a dermatoscope.
• Effective treatments include, in addition to corticosteroid drugs and topical immunotherapy, several cycles of our specific products.
• Successful treatments can significantly improve patients' quality of life.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata causes sudden hair loss in localized areas. This leaves smooth patches on the skin. It affects about 2 out of 100 people, without gender distinction. It often begins in childhood or adolescence.

Characteristic Symptoms

Symptoms of alopecia areata include:

• Smooth, bald patches on the scalp
• Round lesions of varying sizes
• Short, broken hairs at the edges
• Possible involvement of eyelashes and eyebrows

Usually, alopecia areata appears as a single patch on the scalp. But in some cases, it can become more extensive and recur frequently.

Affected Body Areas

Alopecia areata can affect various parts of the body, such as:

• Beard
• Face
• Arms
• Legs
• Torso

In rare cases, it can affect the entire scalp or the entire body surface. This condition is known as alopecia universalis.

Despite hair loss, hair follicles remain vital. In some forms, hair can regrow spontaneously. This can lead to coarser hair, sometimes white.

Causes of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. The immune system attacks hair follicles. This causes patchy hair loss.

The exact causes are not clear. But factors like genetics, autoimmune disorders, and stress seem to play a role.

Genetic factors

Genetics plays an important role in alopecia areata. Approximately 15% of people with a family history are affected. This indicates that certain genes increase susceptibility.

Research is trying to find the genes involved.

Autoimmune disorders

Alopecia areata is often accompanied by other autoimmune disorders. For example, lupus, vitiligo, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests that an overactive immune system could be at its root.

Conditions such as atopy, trisomy 21, and infections increase the risk.

Stress and environmental factors

Specific triggers are not known. But stress, viral infections, and certain medications could play a role. Emotional stress is a risk factor.

Reducing stress can help. Relaxation techniques and stress management are useful.

In summary, genetics, autoimmune disorders, and environmental factors such as stress cause alopecia areata. Research aims to better understand these factors to find improved treatments.

Diagnosis and evaluation

The diagnosis of alopecia areata is made by observing the patches of lost hair. We normally lose 50-100 hairs per day. If we lose 200-300 after washing them, it's normal. But if we extract more than 6 with the Pull test, it could be a sign of a problem.

Our trichologists use a dermatoscope to examine the scalp. This instrument helps to identify signs of alopecia areata, such as exclamation mark hairs and black dots.

Blood tests are also performed to rule out other autoimmune diseases. This is important because alopecia areata can affect various organs and has autoimmune causes.

The trichogram helps to understand the hair growth phase. In healthy people, 80-85% of hair follicles are in the growth phase, 10-15% in rest, and only 0.5-1% are damaged. If these percentages change, it could indicate a problem like alopecia areata.

Early and accurate diagnosis of alopecia areata is crucial for the best possible intervention. This can slow or stop hair loss and promote regrowth. Essential oils, for example, have proven very useful, but it is always best to consult expert trichologists to understand how to proceed.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options for alopecia areata. These help stimulate hair regrowth and improve its appearance. The choice of treatment depends on the extent of the disease, age, and response to therapies.

The main options include:

1. treatment with natural products like those offered by Afrodite Medical
2. corticosteroid drugs
3. topical immunotherapy
4. minoxidil
5. anthralin.

1. The Treatment proposed by Afrodite Medical

As seen, alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss, so the treatment will focus on restoring scalp health, stimulating regrowth, and improving overall hair quality.

1. Cleansing and preparation phase:

Start with DP Depur detoxifying shampoo: this shampoo will help gently cleanse the scalp, removing impurities and preparing the area for subsequent treatments. Use 2-3 times a week.

2. Intensive treatment phase:

a) DP Depur Intensive Serum: apply this serum directly to the areas affected by alopecia areata. Its disintegrating effect on impurities accumulated in the skin can help improve scalp health. Use daily, preferably in the evening.

b) RG Regen Force Serum: alternate with Depur Intensive Serum, applying this serum rich in peptide growth factors and stimulating plant extracts. It can help regenerate hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Use daily, in the morning.

3. Maintenance and protection phase:

a) LP Leniplus Defence Serum: apply this soothing serum to reduce any scalp irritation or redness that may accompany alopecia areata. Use 2-3 times a week or as needed.

b) RG Regen Daily Action: use this daily treatment to maintain and enhance the functions of hair follicles and bulbs. Apply daily to treated areas.

4. Reconstruction and hydration phase:

KR Kera Protein Fluid: once regrowth is noticed, use this protein-rich fluid to strengthen the structure of new hair. Apply 1-2 times a week.

HD Hydra Gluco-Gel: alternate with Kera Protein Fluid to ensure optimal hydration of regrowing hair. Use 1-2 times a week.

5. Long-term maintenance:

Continue with regular use of RG Regen Shampoo and RG Regen Daily Action to maintain scalp health and stimulate continuous hair growth.

Remember that:

alopecia areata may require long-term treatment, and results may vary from person to person. It is important to be patient and consistent in product application.

Furthermore, this treatment should be integrated with a balanced diet, stress management, and, if necessary, therapies prescribed by a dermatologist or trichologist.

2. Corticosteroid drugs

Corticosteroids are similar to cortisol, a naturally produced hormone. They can be administered via injection, orally, or topically. Intralesional injections are common to stimulate hair regrowth.

In forms of alopecia areata with less than 50% scalp involvement, total regrowth is observed in 63% of patients after four months. Topical corticosteroids are used for limited hair loss. More advanced stages require other treatments.

3. Topical immunotherapy

Topical immunotherapy, such as diphencyprone (DPCP), helps stimulate hair regrowth. This therapy uses sensitizing agents like dinitrochlorobenzene and diphenylcyclopropenone. They are effective, especially in severe forms of alopecia areata.

New therapies for extensive alopecia include topical immunotherapy with potent antigens.

4. Minoxidil

5% topical minoxidil helps promote hair growth. It is effective when used twice daily. It has a therapeutic response of 50% at six months.

The combination of minoxidil and dithranol leads to cosmetically acceptable regrowth in 11% of patients with alopecia areata resistant to single treatments.

5. Anthralin

Anthralin is used to treat alopecia areata. It alters the immune function of the skin. The use of short-contact dithranol leads to a therapeutic response in 67% of cases after 11 weeks.

The choice of treatment for alopecia areata depends on various individual factors. It is important to consult a dermatologist to find the most suitable therapeutic approach. With the different options available, it is possible to effectively manage alopecia areata and promote hair regrowth.

Conclusion

Alopecia areata affects about 2% of the population. This condition causes hair loss and emotionally impacts patients, often young people. Women are more affected, but men can suffer from it if they have affected family members.

In children, alopecia areata can be more severe, also affecting the nails. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids and minoxidil, offer relief but are not long-term solutions. There is no definitive cure for now(2).

Alopecia areata affects patients' lives physically, psychologically, and socially. It can damage personal and professional relationships. Seeking specialized centers is important for effective treatment and support.

With the right support and new therapies, patients can improve their condition. This improves their quality of life.

FAQ

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. It manifests as sudden hair or body hair loss. This occurs in patches on the scalp or beard. Approximately 2% of people will experience at least one episode in their lifetime.

What are the causes of alopecia areata?

The exact causes are not known. It is thought that white blood cells mistakenly attack hair follicles. There are genetic factors and a connection with other autoimmune diseases.

How is alopecia areata diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the condition. Using a dermatoscope helps identify typical signs. Blood tests are also performed to rule out other diseases.

What are the treatment options for alopecia areata?

Treatment varies depending on the disease and the patient's age. We suggest trying natural treatments first. Corticosteroids, immunotherapy, minoxidil, and anthralin are also used. Corticosteroids can be injections, pills, or creams.

Does alopecia areata impact quality of life?

Yes, it greatly affects quality of life. It has physical, psychological, and social effects. It can change appearance and affect relationships.

Where can I find support for alopecia areata?

Look for specialized trichology centers (like our studio (Hair Studio & Beauty) for help and advice. These centers offer treatments and support to manage the disease.