Hair falls out in small patches normally a size of a coin and this is because our immune system believes there is a threat causing an inflammatory immune response causing our hair growth cycle to enter quickly into the late catagen phase (hair mature state) or telogen (resting state – preparing hair to shed phase) rather than staying in the anagen phase (growth phase).
Alopecia areata often develops suddenly, over the course of just a few days.
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.
Medical News Today
Alopecia areata appears as patchy areas of non-scarring hair loss and may be considered:
Mild – 1–5 scattered areas of hair loss on scalp (and beard of adults)
Moderate – More than 5 scattered areas of hair loss on the scalp (and beard of adults)
Severe – Loss of all of the hair on the scalp and body
Scalp burning, without redness, may also occur.
Hairs that grow back often have less color (hypopigmented or white) either temporarily or permanently.
This hypopigmentation is not seen in other forms of alopecia.
Pits and ridges in the fingernails can also occur.
Skinsight
It normally occurs between the ages of 5- 30 years old.
Cause
Autoimmune disease – where the immune system attacks the hair follicles (it does not destroy them – hence hair may grow back in time)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Alopecia Areata in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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