What is Alopecia Areata?

Increasing your understanding of Alopecia Areata will help you identify the most effective ways to deal with this distressing condition.

Alopecia Areata is a condition that is characterized by patchy hair loss over the scalp or body. It can take several forms ranging from a single patch to total body hair loss (Alopecia Universalis). The condition is quite common, affecting as many as 1 in 1,000 people at any given time.

This can be a very distressing condition for sufferers, particularly as its cause may be difficult to determine. On a more positive note, many cases are directly linked to imbalances in the person's immune system that, once identified, can be treated effectively.

In most cases the hair will reappear on its own but some patients may develop more extreme variations leading to loss of eyebrows and lashes (Alopecia Totalis) or total body hair loss (Alopecia Universalis).

Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata

In order to correctly diagnose Alopecia Areata it is important to do two things:

1. Visit your doctor.

2. Undergo a series of blood tests.

In the first instance it is best to seek the advice of your family doctor who may refer you to a specialist dermatologist in your area. Your physician will undertake an assessment to ensure that your hair loss is not being caused by an underlying illness.

It is important that you undergo a series of blood tests to check levels of hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, prolactin, androstenedione and thyroid stimulating hormone. Your physician may also want to test for levels of serum iron and conduct a complete blood count.

Without these tests it will be impossible for any physician to accurately diagnose your condition and subsequently recommend an appropriate treatment regime. If your doctor refuses, see another one or make your own arrangements for a Hormone Test.

Treatments for Alopecia Areata

The treatment selected depends on the causes identified by your blood tests as these problems must be rectified first. Once the source causes have been treated, or in instances where the bloodwork has revealed no obvious causes, the following treatments may be useful in stimulating hair growth:

1. Daily application of Minoxidil

2. Injection of cortisone into patchy areas of scalp. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MUST BE ADMINISTERED BY A PHYSICIAN.

In more severe forms of Alopecia Areata successful treatment may prove problematic. In the case of those suffering from Alopecia Universalis for example, the causes may not be known and the condition may be short-lived or remain permanently.

Despite the claims of some unscrupulous companies or individuals, there are no miracle cures for advanced forms of Alopecia Areata and sufferers may wish to consider other options such as head coverings or Wigs.

One treatment that has generated positive feedback recently is Calosol which you can learn more about by visiting Calosol.com