What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is the name given to describe a type of hair loss (‘alopecia’) which is limited to specific patches of skin (‘areata’). Although it can happen anywhere on the body, it most commonly shows up on the scalp and face. It is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks random groups of hair follicles.
It is important to understand that alopecia areata is not caused by an infection and is not contagious. The reason it happens is unknown. Some patients report being under significant stress at the time of the breakout, but many others report no change in stress or anxiety levels. Occasionally multiple family members will have alopecia areata, so genetics may play a role as well.
Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata
Although most patches of hair loss from alopecia areata will resolve on their own, some patients request treatment in hopes of shortening recovery time. The most common of these treatments is to give cortisone shots. It is a fairly effective approach, though it does require a number of small injections within the hair loss sites every 4-6 weeks. A number of topical creams and gels are also available. While topical medications can be applied painlessly (no injections required), they generally do not work quite as quickly.
Whether treatment is started or the hair is allowed to regrow naturally, patients should also understand that alopecia areata may happen on and off throughout one’s lifetime. As mentioned above, stress is sometimes blamed as a trigger though usually no clear cause is ever found. Luckily, many patients have just one episode which resolves on its own, without treatment, within a matter of months.
