Alopecia areata is one of the most common chronic skin diseases that individuals suffer from. It is known as alopecia areata, and it greatly affects both the scalp and the skin. Alopecia causes hair loss and the appearance of bald spots on the scalp or on the body. Below we reveal the details of the causes of alopecia as we navigate together to learn more information about this annoying disease for many.

أسباب مرض الثعلبة

There are a number of factors that play a role in developing alopecia, which are:

• Genetic factors, in which case the patient has a family history of the disease.
• Immune disorders play a role in the development of alopecia areata, in which case immune cells attack the body itself.
• Psychological conditions may play a role in developing alopecia, such as severe psychological stress and psychological trauma, which increase the possibility of developing alopecia.
• Hormones may also play a role in the development of alopecia areata.

It should be noted that men suffer from alopecia at a higher rate than women, and alopecia begins at any age, but it is common in youth and in the forties.

It is important to go to a specialist doctor if you suspect alopecia areata to obtain the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Doctors can provide an appropriate treatment plan that includes drug treatments and natural treatments to effectively treat alopecia.

You can also learn about What is the difference between alopecia and hair loss?

Symptoms of alopecia areata

You can identify that you have alopecia areata through a number of symptoms, as follows:

• Hair loss in the form of bald spots on the scalp, and this loss can extend to hair in other parts of the body.
• Circular or oval-shaped bald spots appear on the scalp and may increase in size over time.
• The hair that grows in affected areas can be fine and thin.
• Hair in the area surrounding bald spots can also be brittle or damaged.
• Bald spots are accompanied by annoying itching or irritation on the scalp.

If you develop symptoms, book your consultation at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital 

Diagnosis of alopecia areata

The doctor listens to the patient's history and examines the scalp to evaluate the symptoms and pattern of hair loss. A sample of the damaged hair is taken to examine it under a microscope to determine the cause of the loss.

It may include examining the skin using a device to evaluate the condition of the scalp and determine the presence of infections or changes in the hair. The doctor may also request laboratory tests to rule out other causes of hair loss, such as iron deficiency or hormonal disorders.

Also in some cases, the doctor may need x-rays to ensure that there are no changes in the skeleton.

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Some medications and different methods can be used to control the problem of hair lossTreatment of alopecia areataHowever, it does not treat alopecia completely, and among the effective methods of treatment are:

• Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, which are used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. They are used either by injection into the scalp or in any other area, or as tablets taken in the mouth. A topical cream can also be used on the skin.
• Minoxidil is a topical treatment for baldness in both males and females. It helps hair grow after 12 weeks of use.
• Laser therapy, which uses ultraviolet light to treat nail or skin disorders, is used in specific doses to stimulate hair growth.
• Plasma, which includes platelets, is one of the most prominent therapeutic methods for treating alopecia. In this way, blood is taken from the patient’s body and then treated, then it is injected into the scalp to stimulate new hair growth.

أهم الأسئلة الشائعة

Alopecia areata is a serious disease in the eyes of many individuals, whether women or men. We know that what bothers you most about this disease is the appearance that makes you suffer from embarrassment when facing society. We ask you to take a deep breath to read the answers to a number of questions that are on your mind and the minds of many alopecia patients. We leave you with the following:

How can I live with alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is considered a chronic disease that has no definitive cure, but it can be lived with through preventive tips, the most important of which are the following:

• Reducing anxiety and stress.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and dust in case you lose your eyelashes.
• Wear hats to protect your head from the sun.
• Use hair cleansers that are free of parabens and silicones.
• Take nutritional supplements.
• You must follow a balanced diet, as hair needs nutritional minerals and vitamins that nourish the body.
• The importance of using sunscreen with a protection factor of 30.

هل الثعلبة تنتقل باللمس؟

A person can contract alopecia areata by touching a sick animal, and alopecia can be spread as a result of petting cats or dogs.

Does hair return to what it was after alopecia?

50% of alopecia patients experience individual hair loss episodes that last less than a year, and then the hair grows back without the need for treatment.

مع Al Mousa Specialist Hospital You are not alone. After learning about the causes of alopecia, its symptoms, and treatment methods, you should visit the hospital to undergo all diagnostic procedures with a team of experienced, competent, and carefully selected doctors in all departments.

Sources and references

Alopecia Areata – niams

Hair loss types: Alopecia areata causes – American Academy of Dermatology Association