Alopecia Areata

 
I.  Definition:
 
Alopecia areata is the name for a condition in which round patches of hair loss appear suddenly.  The hair-growing tissue is attacked by the patient's own immune cells for unknown reasons.  There are three stages: first, there is sudden hair loss, then the patches of hair loss enlarge, and last, new hair grows back.  This process takes months, sometimes more than a year, but rarely does the hair never grow back.
 
 
II.  Causes:

• We do not know why the immune cells attack the hair-growing tissue.

 

• Alopecia areata is not contagious, not caused by foods, and is not the result of nervousness.

 

• Alopecia areata sometimes runs in families.

 
 
III.  Treatment:

• Cortisone injections often stimulate hair regrowth.  Twenty to thirty injections per patch are required once a month.  The injections are uncomfortable.  Cortisone injections only work in the areas that have been injected; the injections do not prevent new areas of hair loss.  It generally takes one to two months after the injection before hair growth is visible.

 

• Some patients do not respond to any treatment.  We cannot predict which patients will respond to treatment.

 

• Cortisone creams are also sometimes beneficial in the treatment of alopecia areata.

 

• For more information click the link below:

 
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation
(415) 456-4644