Alopecia areata, we have all heard about it – the most common type of hair loss that can be seen at both men and women, although men are indeed the most endangered category. One of the typical questions related to alopecia areata is – how it actually happens. The correct answer would be the following: alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles by mistake. Since hair follicles are the centres of hair growth, once they have been attacked by alopecia, hair starts thickening and eventually, falling out completely.
How Alopecia Areata Is Diagnosed
Hairless patches on the scalp are the most reliable proofs of alopecia areata. Usually, during the initial phase of hair loss, hair just gets thinner without apparent patches of alopecia areata. However, cases of complete loss of scalp and body hair are not an exception as well.
When alopecia areata is manifested in the form of bald patches, in many cases, hair grows back in few months. Expert dermatologists say that only 10% of the population affected by this particular condition never see hair regrowth. Here is a short and detailed list of people prone to permanent hair loss:
- People with family history of alopecia areata;
- People who have started experiencing hair loss at their young age (usually before puberty);
- People with another autoimmune disease;
- People with abnormal shape, colour and texture of their fingernails/toenails.
An important thing to mention is that alopecia areata is a special condition that cannot be cured, but it can be treated indeed.
Alopecia Areata Treatment
By far, the most popular alopecia areata treatment is scalp micropigmentation, a cutting-edge cosmetic tattoo technique that gives the appearance of a scalp full of hair. Scalp micropigmentation creates the attractive 'buzzed' or 'shaved' hairstyle that makes men super hot and modern. The biggest reason why most men turn to scalp micropigmentation is to boost confidence and self-esteem which have been significantly shaken because of alopecia areata.
Other options for treating alopecia areata that also seem to give certain positive effects are:
- Corticosteroid pills/injections;
- Minoxidil;
- Finasteride;
- Hair transplantation.
The Outcome
The right alopecia areata treatment gives the body the right signals for hair regrowth. Please note that even with treatment, а new wave of hair loss may occur and it all depends on the way the immune system reacts. When it comes to the question 'how long results will last', answers also vary, because no one can predict precisely when hair may regrow or fall out again.
