Alopecia areata is hair loss caused by attack of immune system of the body itself (autoimmune) against the follicle this Condition generally occurs on the scalp, although it can also occur on other parts of the body that is overgrown with hair, such as eyebrows, mustache, and eyelashes. In addition to the pattern baldness round, alopecia areata can also cause baldness thoroughly.
Alopecia areata can be suffered by anyone, whether male or female, in any age. However generally this condition is experienced by many people aged 20 years and under. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the immunity system of the body that is in charge of protecting the body from the attack of virus or bacteria actually made the mistake of attacking the body itself. In this case, the attacked is the hair follicles. As a result, the hair follicle is where the growth of hair to become smaller and stop producing the hair so that baldness occurs.
The Symptoms Of Alopecia Areata
The main symptoms shown alopecia areata is baldness patterned round. Baldness can occur in one or several places which were overgrown with hair. Sometimes, new hairs appear on the edge of the place bald. But the hair shaft is thinner in the base, so that it looked like an exclamation mark. In some patients with alopecia areata, baldness can extend to a thorough on the scalp (alopecia totalis). Although rare, baldness can also occur in the whole body so not leaving one strand of hair (alopecia universalis). Sometimes, hair can grow back after a few months, but with a texture that is thin and colored white, in contrast with the hair before. Nevertheless, in approximately 10 percent of patients with alopecia areata, baldness is permanent and the hair will not grow back,
In addition to on the scalp and other parts of the body that is overgrown with hair, alopecia areata can also be characterized by disorder on the nails of fingers and toes, a nail is notched and has white lines with a surface that is thin and rough. Sometimes the nail can change shape or split, although this happens very rarely.
Causes and Risk Factors of Alopecia Areata
The cause of autoimmune disorders in the case of alopecia areata of unknown cause, but allegedly triggered by a viral infection, trauma, hormonal changes, as well as the pressure of physical or psychic. Patients with alopecia areata also found in many people who suffer from other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
analysis of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata can be diagnosed by a doctor through the examination of the condition of the hair, especially hair loss that occurs. In order to strengthen the diagnosis, investigations can be carried out through the analysis of a sample of the skin of the head by using a microscope. This examination aims to ascertain the cause of the hair loss. If there is strong suspicion that the patient has an autoimmune disease, then the doctor may recommend a blood test to check for antibodies that are not everyday, such as antinuclear antibody (ANA). Blood tests also help the doctor to determine the cause of baldness, such as levels of C-reactive protein, iron, thyroid hormones, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Treatment Of Alopecia Areata
There is no treatment that can cure alopecia areata, and sometimes the hair can grow back by itself. Nevertheless, certain medications can be used to stimulate the growth of hair back more quickly. Drugs that can be given, among others, are:
- Minoxidil. This topical medication can stimulate the growth of hair back by way of rubbed on the scalp, beard or a region that is balding two times a day. New hair growth can be seen three months after the use of these drugs.
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids will suppress the immune system and is available in the form of injectable drugs, topical, and drink. Corticosteroid injections given on the skin that is experiencing baldness every three-6 weeks. New hair will grow approximately one month after the last injection. Administration of corticosteroid injections are considered more effective than the use of topical corticosteroids. Administration of topical corticosteroids may be appropriate given to children, who are usually afraid of with the syringe. While the consumption of pills corticosteroids intended for patients with bald broad and many. However, the consumption of corticosteroids long-term raises the risk of serious side effects.
- Anthralin. Just like corticosteroids, these drugs will affect your immune system on the skin. Once applied and allowed to stand for a maximum of one hour, anthralin must be washed thoroughly so that the skin is not experiencing irritation.
- Diphencyprone (DPCP). This drug is used with the applied on the area experiencing alopecia areata and will result in allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, and itching on the area that is experiencing baldness. The emergence of allergic reactions is the expected effect of the use of these drugs, and intended to divert the body's defense system to fight against inflammation due to allergies, instead of attacking the hair follicles.
Although not dangerous, but sometimes, alopecia areata can lead to discomfort on the skin that is experiencing baldness. Applying sunscreen and using a wig or hat can protect the scalp that are experiencing baldness from the sun. The use of glasses and false eyelashes are also recommended for patients who have alopecia areata on the eyelash, it is to protect the eyes from dust.
Complications Of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is not a disease that can result in a serious condition. Alopecia areata also can't be transmitted to other people and hair botakpun can grow back by itself within a few months. But in about 10% of patients, baldness occurs is permanent.
Patients with alopecia areata have a greater risk to suffer from or have a family with asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases other, such as thyroid disease and vitiligo.
Some sufferers of alopecia areata can be emotionally disturbed, due to consider having baldness makes him not interesting. This situation can lead to depression. Support from loved ones is important to help patients adapt to these conditions.
Reviewed by : dr. Marianti
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