Alopecia areata – causes, symptoms and treatments

TL;DR:

• Plaque alopecia affects up to 2% of the population, appearing before age 30 in both genders, often linked to low self-esteem.
• Symptoms include bald patches with “exclamation point hairs” at edges. Skin is generally unaffected.
• Types:
• Common: Characteristic bald patches.
• Total: Complete head hair loss.
• Generalized: Total body hair loss.
• Causes may include autoimmune issues, genetics, stress, hormones, and poor lifestyle.
• Diagnosis: Involves blood tests, scalp exams, trichoscopy, or biopsies.
• Treatments:
• Topical (corticosteroids), systemic medications, phototherapy, psychological support.
• Supportive options: Mesotherapy, carboxytherapy, platelet-rich plasma, and hair transplantation (FUE method, if alopecia is stabilized).
• Some cases resolve spontaneously; early specialist consultation is key.

Plaque alopecia is a condition that affects up to 2% of the general population. It occurs in both men and women, and the first symptoms usually appear at a young age, before the age of 30. For some, baldness can be an embarrassing condition, strongly linked to self-esteem and attractiveness. Find out all there is to know about alopecia areata.

What is alopecia areata associated with?

Alopecia areata is associated with hair loss and, as a consequence, also a deterioration of patients’ well-being, mood and lowered self-confidence. There are different types of alopecia areata, as well as different methods of treating it. The diagnosis of this condition does not pose great diagnostic difficulties due to the rather characteristic symptoms it gives. By most people it is mainly associated with bald patches on the head, but it does not have to take this form at all. Since it is a disease of quite varied etiology, its treatment may proceed differently in different patients. Extensive diagnostics and cooperation and trust in the treating physician are key here. Alopecia, however, is the kind of condition that can be attempted to cure through various avenues, so there are practically no cases in which absolutely nothing can be done. The disease can even affect children or become active under the influence of traumatic experiences or without a more closely understood cause, but often finding it allows to fight the problem in a more effective way. You will learn about its symptoms, causes and possible treatment methods in the following text. It is also worth knowing that the sooner you go with the problem to an experienced specialist, the better the chances that baldness can be curbed and cured.

Symptoms of alopecia areata

Plaque alopecia manifests as a gradual thinning of hair in a specific area on the head or body. In its course, there is the formation of bald patches in the affected area, usually well demarcated from the rest of the hair. In the case of alopecia areata, the skin is usually not affected in any way, although occasionally erythema can be seen. On the periphery of the bald patches, one can notice the characteristic shorter exclamation point hairs, with a thicker tip than the root. alopecia areata

Course of alopecia areata

Every hair on the human body is located in the skin thanks to the roots, located in the hair follicle. In diseases such as alopecia areata, when the bulge located in the follicle becomes damaged, it is impossible to get hair to grow again. Scarring is relatively rare in alopecia areata, so treatment can be attempted. Although this is often difficult, it is possible. Incidentally, it also happens that the disease regresses spontaneously.

Types of alopecia areata

There are several forms of alopecia areata depending on the areas of the body that the disease covers:

• Common – in which the formation of characteristic bald patches on the scalp is observed. Sometimes they can merge into larger bald areas, although this is not the rule.
• Total – when there is a complete loss of hair on the head, but eyebrows, eyelashes and hair on other parts of the body remain.
• Generalized** – hair on the head is lost. Often, in addition to the scalp itself, it extends to areas of the scalp such as eyebrows and eyelashes, and even to other parts of the body. The form also occurs in the malignant variety, which is not amenable to treatment. The hair usually does not grow back regardless of whether or not therapy is applied.

In addition to the aforementioned types of alopecia areata, the varieties of the disease can be divided according to the nature of the alopecia foci. Hence, we list multifocal alopecia and monofocal alopecia, which involve one or more areas. The areas of alopecia must be clearly demarcated from each other to be recognized. Characterizing alopecia areata by the shape of the balding areas present, it is worth mentioning serpiginous, diffuse and focal alopecia. Serpiginous alopecia involves the formation of a bald band around the head that runs through the temporal, occipital and frontal regions. In focal alopecia, only one area is affected, while in diffuse alopecia it is impossible to characterize individual foci of baldness.

Causes of alopecia areata

Although, there are no data that unequivocally indicate the cause of alopecia areata, certain factors have been singled out that may influence its development. Of particular importance seems to be the autoimmune issue. In this case, compounds accumulate around the hair follicles, which stimulate an immune response, resulting in gradual hair loss. In addition to this, factors related to the endocrine system, genetics, the environment and the supply of adequate amounts of micro and macro elements with food and the central nervous system are mentioned. Stress and an abnormal lifestyle can influence the development of the disease.

Diagnosing alopecia areata

Diagnosing alopecia and hair loss is quite a complex process that must take into account the patient’s overall health. Among other things, the diagnosis uses an interview with the Patient, extended routine blood tests, a thorough visual inspection of the scalp and trichoscopy, which allows the skin to be viewed under tremendous magnification. If an extended diagnosis or confirmation is needed, a phototrichogram and trichogram or scalp biopsy, for example, can also be performed.

Types of therapeutic interventions

Treatment of alopecia areata is often a complex process that requires multiple interventions. Among the types of therapeutic interventions in alopecia areata include:

1. Topical treatment – that is, mostly corticosteroids applied to the skin in the form of ointments, creams or other formulas that are easy to apply.
2. General treatment – using properly selected medications administered orally.
3. Phototherapy – that is, therapy using light. Sometimes it is combined with the simultaneous administration of oral or topical medications designed to increase the susceptibility of the treated area to light.
4. Psychological support – useful because of the risk of reduced quality of life for patients, deterioration of mood or low self-esteem.

Which therapeutic method is chosen for a particular patient depends on the patient’s condition, the nature (type) of the condition and the treatment methods used at the facility.

Conclusion

Alopecia areata is a complex condition, but treatment is possible with early action. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is key to managing it effectively. From topical treatments to advanced procedures like mesotherapy and hair transplants, solutions exist for most cases. Trust in your doctor and seek professional help as soon as symptoms appear. With tailored care, many patients achieve hair regrowth and improved well-being. Don’t wait—explore your options and take control of your condition today.