The scalp is the most commonly affected area, but the beard or any hair-bearing site can be affected alone or together with the scalp. Some people develop only a few bare patches that regrow hair within a year.
What race is alopecia more common in?
Alopecia areata is more common among African Americans but less common among Asians, compared with whites, according to a new study involving registry data for more than 11,000 individuals.
Where does alopecia usually start?
It usually begins with the hair on your head. There are three severe forms of alopecia, including: Areata (patchy hair loss on your head) Totalis (complete hair loss on your head)
Where is alopecia located?
Alopecia areata most often affects the scalp and beard, but may occur on any part of the body with hair. Different areas of the skin may exhibit hair loss and regrowth at the same time. The disease may also go into remission for a time, or may be permanent. It is common in children.
Who is most affected by alopecia?
Who is affected by alopecia areata? Alopecia areata tends to occur most often in adults 30 to 60 years of age. However, it can also affect older individuals and, rarely, young children.
What race has the thickest hair?
In most cases, ethnicity has been classified into three groups: African, Asian and Caucasian. It has been reported that Asian hair is generally straight and is the thickest, while its cross-section is the most round-shaped among these three.
How can you treat alopecia?
- Corticosteroids. Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid to suppress your immune system. …
- Topical immunotherapy. This treatment boosts your immune system to help your body fight the condition. …
- Minoxidil (Rogaine) …
- Diphencyprone (DPCP) …
- Ultraviolet light therapy. …
- Tofacitinib.
What are the first signs of alopecia?
A common symptom includes small, round patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard area, or other “hairy” parts of the body. Those with alopecia may also notice hair loss and regrowth at the same time, but in different areas of the body. Hair may also only be missing from one side of the scalp and not the other.
What triggers alopecia?
Alopecia areata occurs when the body’s immune system mistakes hair follicles as foreign and attacks them. This causes the hairs to fall out. This specific form of autoimmunity is a lifelong tendency that can be inherited from either parent.
Can alopecia be cured naturally?
There is little scientific evidence that alopecia areata is caused by stress. People with alopecia areata who have only a few patches of hair loss often experience a spontaneous, full recovery, without the need for treatment. There is no cure for alopecia areata.
Does stress cause alopecia?
Excessive physical or emotional stress—like that associated with injury, illness, or surgery—can cause one of two types of hair loss: Alopecia areata: This stress-induced hair loss involves a white blood cell attack on the hair follicles.
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Is alopecia serious?
Alopecia areata isn’t usually a serious medical condition, but it can cause a lot of anxiety and sadness. Support groups are out there to help you deal with the psychological effects of the condition. If you lose all your hair, it could grow back.
How long can alopecia last?
People with alopecia areata typically have smooth, round patches of complete hair loss that develop over a period of a few weeks, followed in most cases by regrowth over several months (picture 1). However, alopecia areata may persist for several years and sometimes hair never regrows.