(Pronounciation – a·luh·pee·shuh eh·ree·ay·tuh)

Hair loss can be a very distressing situation, especially when it occurs rapidly and is visible in patches. While the most common root cause for hair loss is Androgenetic Alopecia, there could be an auto-immune condition called “Alopecia Areata”.

Why does Alopecia Areata happen?

Areata is a condition wherein the immune cells of the body attack the local hair follicles of the body causing well-demarcated bald spots on any hair-bearing area of the body. Alopecia Areata affects around 2% of population, most commonly aged between 20-40 years, and equally across genders and ethnicities. Those with a family history of Alopecia Areata have a slightly higher risk. Several stressors including environmental, emotional and even antioxidant-oxidant imbalance are attributed to Alopecia Areata.

How is Alopecia Areata diagnosed?

Most cases are not noticeable, especially if they don’t occur on the scalp. Some cases become noticeable when they reach the size of coin. Often alopecia areata is an isolated lesion, but can produce multiple area of baldness. A trained hair loss doctor can assess the scalp using a camera called a trichoscope. This clarifies the diagnosis before treatment is initiated.

What treatments are available for Alopecia Areata?

Areata is best treated early. There are several treatment options such as triamcinolone injections, done every  1 to 1.5 months, collagen mesotherapy or platelet rich plasma/fibrin, as well as topical treatments available for patients who suffer from Alopecia Areata. Most patients achieve excellent results, but up to 50% can have relapse.

Alopecia Areata assessment is available at Evolved Hair. If you need help around this condition, visit us for a no charge consultation and meet our hair growth specialist.