Could Your Sudden Hair Loss Be Alopecia Areata?
Published: Mar 31, 2024
Alopecia areata is a mysterious condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles, causing unexpected hair loss. Let's dive into what it is and how it's diagnosed.
Contents
Common Symptoms of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata usually starts with smooth, round patches of hair loss on the scalp but can affect any hair-bearing area. Some people might lose all their scalp hair or even all body hair. Unique signs include 'exclamation point hairs,' which are short hairs that taper at the base. Nail changes, such as pitting or roughness, may also occur in about 10 to 20 percent of cases.
Who Gets Alopecia Areata?
Anyone can develop alopecia areata, with a prevalence of about 1 in 1000 people worldwide. It affects both men and women equally and can start at any age, although the mean age of diagnosis is in the early 30s. While the exact cause is unknown, genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
Diagnosis: What to Expect
Typically, a diagnosis is made with a simple examination of the affected areas by a healthcare provider. Dermoscopy, a specialized imaging technique, can help visualize specific hair and scalp features. In uncertain cases, a biopsy might be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
Yes, it affects both children and adults.
Yes, nail changes and exclamation point hairs are common.
Hair may regrow, but recurrence is common.
Key Takeaways
Alopecia areata is unpredictable, but understanding its signs can help in seeking timely diagnosis.
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References
Strazzulla LC, et al. Alopecia areata: Disease characteristics. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018; 78:1.
Safavi KH, et al. Incidence of alopecia areata. Mayo Clin Proc 1995; 70:628.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.