Some people may notice that their hair begins to fall out suddenly and in a short period, and they may also notice the appearance of bald spots on the scalp or anywhere on the body. Give some tips for living with it.

What is alopecia areata?

It is a non-contagious autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss, as the immune system attacks hair follicles believing that they are something foreign to the body.

This skin disease can affect anywhere on the body, but most commonly affects the hair on the scalp.

There are many types of this disease, and their types may differ based on the amount of hair loss and the location of the infection on the body. These types may include the following:

• Macular: It is the most common type, where hair falls out in one or more spots on the scalp or body.
• College: In this type, the person loses all scalp hair.
• Beard: It is a loss of beard hair in patches.
• Overall: It is the most severe type;
• Spread: Here the scalp hair becomes thin and falls out spread over the scalp instead of in patches.

How is alopecia areata transmitted?

It is not a contagious disease, it is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system attacks the body itself.

 أقرأ أيضا عن علاج الثعلبة الطرق العلاجية المختلفة

What is the reason for the appearance of alopecia?

It is caused by an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Several factors are thought to play a role in its appearance, including the following:

Genetic factors

Individuals with a family history of this condition may be at greater risk of developing it.

العوامل البيئية

 Certain environmental factors may act as triggers in individuals who are genetically predisposed to developing alopecia areata.

Other autoimmune diseases

People with any other autoimmune disorders, such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or vitiligo, have an increased risk of developing it.

أسباب الثعلبة النفسية

Emotional and psychological stress may play a role in triggering or exacerbating this disease in some individuals.

All of these factors may contribute to the development of the disease, but the condition can occur without any specific cause.

 You may be interested to know: تعرف على أسباب الثعلبة وهل تشفى الثعلبة لوحدها

How do you know you have alopecia?

There are many symptoms that indicate infection with this disease, and the main symptom is hair loss, in addition to some other symptoms, including the following:

• Small bald spots on the scalp or other parts of the body.
• The spots may become larger and grow together to form a large bald spot.
• Hair grows back in one place and falls out in another.
• Losing a lot of hair in a short period.
• Hair loss increases in cold weather.
• Fingernails and toenails become red, brittle, and pitted.
• Bald patches of skin are smooth, without any rash or redness. 
• Possibility of feeling tingling, itching, or burning on the skin immediately before hair loss.

Does alopecia heal on its own?

This disease varies from one person to another in its severity and in the way it develops. It may disappear on its own within months to years in some people, and it may not disappear in others, but it may increase or spread.

Therefore, some cases may require medical intervention; 

There are some factors that affect whether this disease will heal on its own, including the following:

• Severity of disease: People with mild cases have a greater chance that the disease will go away on its own.
• Duration of injury: If the infection lasts a long time, it may be difficult for it to go away on its own.
• Immunological and genetic factors: The body's response to the disease varies based on immunological and genetic factors.

Keeping in mind that if this disease disappears on its own, it can come back.

What is the treatment for alopecia in the hair?

Some medications and other treatments may help control Your hair lossHowever, they will not cure the disease completely. These methods include the following:

الكورتيكوستيرويدات

Usually, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid is used;Treating autoimmune diseases. لذلك، يمكن استخدامه في الأشكال التالية:

• Injection into the scalp or any other area.
• Tablets taken orally.
• A cream or ointment applied topically to the skin.

Corticosteroids may cause some side effects, including the following:

• زيادة الشهية.
• تغيرات في المزاج.
• زيادة الوزن.
• عدم وضوح الرؤية.

Minoxidil 

This medication is used topically; Its side effects include:

• الصداع.
• Scalp irritation.
• Unusual hair growth.

Laser or light therapy

Phototherapy uses ultraviolet radiation from special lamps at specific wavelengths;

Lasers can also be used in specific doses.

Platelet-rich plasma

One of the treatment methods is also the use of platelet-rich plasma to treat alopecia, by removing blood from the patient’s body, treating it, and then injecting it into his scalp. 

But it may cause some side effects:

• Pain at the injection site.
• Scalp irritation.
• الدوخة.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Topical immunotherapy

This treatment is used if there is a lot of hair loss or if it occurs more than once.

However, it may cause an itchy rash and usually has to be repeated several times;

Some side effects include:

• Scalp irritation.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• الاكزيما.
• Skin color change.

Due to the multiple treatment methods, a doctor must be consulted.

Book your consultation now at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital and get the appropriate treatment plan for your condition

Is alopecia serious?

It is not a serious disease.

• Skin damage.
• Sunburn.
• الاكتئاب والقلق.
• Nail deformities.
• Permanent hair loss.
• May cause skin inflammation.
• Increased risk of skin cancer.
• Loss of skin pigmentation.
• Increased risk of skin and medical diseases such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, and atopic dermatitis.

Therefore, it must be treated quickly, so as not to cause any of these complications.

Ways to live with alopecia

If you have this disease, there are some tips that may help you live with it, including the following:

• Reducing stress and anxiety.
• wear hats;
• Take some nutritional supplements, including vitamin D supplements.
• Wear sunglasses;
• Eat a balanced diet;
• Apply sunscreen to the skin with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Stay away from hairstyles that may cause more hair loss.
• Avoid using hair products and treatments that contain harsh chemicals, including chemical straighteners, permanent waves, and dyes.
• Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner on the scalp that is free of silicone and parabens.

In conclusion, after we learned about alopecia, which is an autoimmune disease, and what its symptoms are and the factors that may increase the chance of developing it, if you believe that your baldness is due to this disease, do not use any of the above-mentioned treatments without first consulting the doctor who diagnoses the disease, as he is the one who determines the appropriate treatment for you.

Don't let alopecia affect your self-confidence, book your consultation now and get ready for beautiful, healthy hair.

Frequently asked questions

Is alopecia transmitted from one person to another?

It is not considered an infectious disease because it is an autoimmune symptom, where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. 

Is alopecia transmitted through the comb?

Alopecia is not transmitted through contact with a person or animal infected with this disease, or even by touching surfaces, hair combs, or other objects contaminated with this disease.، Because it is a non-contagious immune disease. 

What is the difference between alopecia and fungi?

Fungi are considered an infectious disease that affects the scalp and cause infections as a result of a fungal infection, while alopecia areata is an immune disease that affects the scalp and causes hair loss. 

Sources and references

The 5 Best Alopecia Treatments – health line

5 tips for living with alopecia areata – magazine.medline plus