Alopecia areata is a condition that affects the hair follicles and results in hair loss, usually on the scalp but sometimes on the face and body. Hair loss can vary, and while most children lose hair on circular, smooth, quarter shaped patches, some may lose all of the hair on their head, which is called alopecia areata totalis or even all of the hair on their head, body, and face (alopecia areata universalis).
What causes alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly identifies the hair follicles as harmful and stops hair growth. Despite this, the hair follicles remain functional and hair growth can resume at any time.
Although not clear how, most researchers agree that heredity plays a role in who is most likely to develop this condition and that some children and adults may be predisposed to developing it, although it is unclear what the trigger is. Often family members of those with alopecia areata either have had the condition themselves, or had another autoimmune disease.
Treatment options
Currently, there is no cure for alopecia areata, and since there is no known trigger for what stops or restarts hair follicle production some choose to take a "wait and see" approach. Often hair will regrow after a short time and not fall out again. For others the hair loss can last years, or hair will regrow and then fall out again. There are several treatments used to stimulate hair regrowth but results vary person to person. Since many of the treatments take a long time to work, and hair often regrows on its own, it's not always clear whether a treatment has been effective or the condition has run its course. The following are some current treatment options:
- Cortison injections
- Topical minoxidil solution
- Cortisone pills (for more severe hair loss)
- PUVA (photochemotherapy)
Although not a treatment for the condition, many choose to use wigs, caps, or scarves to cover the hair loss. In less severe cases a different hair style may cover the missing patches.
Counseling
Alopecia areata is not caused by psychological distress, but the emotional impact can be difficult to manage. Those afflicted with this condition may feel embarrassed, scared, angry, isolated, helpless or may suffer other reactions associated with loss, grief, or trauma. Individual counseling or participation in a support group may halp manage some of these feelings.
For more information
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation is a private, non profit organization which provides information, resources, and support for affected individuals and their families. Their website, naaf.org, contains message boards, event listings, online support groups, fundraising opportunities, and links to current research.
Meredith Laden - As a mom to two teenage daughters, a school counselor, and former behavior specialist for wraparound services, I've encountered just about ...
