Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is hair loss caused by an attack of the body's immune system (autoimmune) against the follicle. This condition occurs on the scalp and other body parts that are overgrown with hair. Alopecia areata can be suffered by men or women of all ages.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease when the body's immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from viruses or bacteria, makes the mistake of attacking the body itself. As a result, hair follicles become smaller and then stop producing hair, causing baldness.

The symptoms.

• Bald round patterned.
• Permanent baldness and hair will not grow.
• The nails are curved and have white lines with a thin and rough surface.
• Nails can change shape or split.

Cause.

The cause of autoimmune disorders in cases of alopecia areata is unknown, but is suspected because :

• Virus infection.
• Trauma.
• Hormonal changes.
• Physical or psychological pressure.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis.

• Check the condition of the hair.
• Analysis of scalp samples using a microscope.
• Blood tests to check for abnormal antibodies, such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA).
• Blood tests to determine levels of C-reactive protein, iron, thyroid hormone, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Treatment.

There is no treatment that can cure alopecia areata. Medications can be used to stimulate hair growth.

• Minoxidil ➡ This topical medication can stimulate hair growth by applying it to the scalp, beard or bald areas. Hair growth can be seen three months after the use of this drug.
• Corticosteroids ➡ Corticosteroids will suppress the immune system and are available in the form of injectable, topical and drinking drugs. Corticosteroid injections are given to bald skin every 3-6 weeks. New hair will grow about one month after the last injection. Giving corticosteroid injections is considered more effective than using topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroid administration may be appropriate for children. Corticosteroid pill consumption is intended for sufferers with large and large areas of baldness. But long-term corticosteroid consumption is at risk of serious side effects.
• Anthralin ➡ This drug will affect the immune system of the skin. After being applied for 1 hour, anthralin must be washed thoroughly so that the skin does not become irritated.
• Diphencypronev (DPCP) ➡ This drug is used in areas that have alopecia areata and will cause allergic reactions such as redness, swelling and itching in areas that have baldness. The emergence of an allergic reaction is the effect of using this drug and is intended to divert the body's defense system to fight inflammation due to allergies.

Complications.

Alopecia areata is not a disease that can cause serious conditions. Alopecia areata cannot be transmitted to others. People with alopecia areata have a risk of suffering or have a family with asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases (thyroid disease and vitiligo).