Alopecia areata is a disease that consists of hair loss in a certain area of the body. In most cases it appears in small circular areas of the head and beard. One of the curious things about alopecia areata is that the areas of the skin that are affected and do not have hair, appear absolutely normal, without skin alterations, swelling or redness. It affects men and women, although there seems to be a greater number of cases in men. It can appear in the first months of life; However, the highest volume of cases is between 10 and 25 years old.
Alopecia areata is a multifactorial disease because different factors intervene in its appearance, such as:
- Stress.
- Infections.
- Exposure to toxicants.
- Anxiety crisis.
- Nutritional imbalance.
- Suffer from celiac disease.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Suffer from type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Autoimmune cause factors such as the accumulation of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, which are responsible for part of the functions of cellular immunity, especially CD8, neutralizing infected cells, around the hair follicle. This causes a stop in hair growth and later causes hair loss.
Other causes of autoimmune origin such as: rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, Addison's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, scleroderma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma and psoriasis.
The evolution of alopecia areata is difficult to guess. Its effects can be temporary or remain for many years.
The main symptom of alopecia areata is non-scarring hair loss in round circles, especially on the head. The areas where the hair disappears show the skin of the scalp. In some mild cases, only two or three circles of hair fall out and then the disease no longer reappears. In any case it is impossible to know how it will progress. In severe cases, hair can fall from all areas of the body.
The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the physical examination, which will include a nail exam, and questions asked of the patient. During the examination, the doctor gives a few light tugs to several strands of hair to find out how weak the hair roots may be. A sample of the hair is then analyzed under a microscope. A blood test is also usually ordered to study the function of the thyroid gland.
A treatment that is completely effective has not yet been achieved; In fact, it is common for alopecia areata to correct itself. However, a combination of several measures can stop hair loss and even regrow hair. Usually the patient must take anti-inflammatories to affect the autoimmune system. Prescriptions for corticosteroids and triamcinolone microinjections are common.
Alopecia areata cannot be prevented. Since the main cause of this disease has not been found, the antidote has not been found either. However, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle with stress control, applying relaxation techniques; a balanced diet rich in trace elements and vitamins; and a regular moderate exercise plan.
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