Alopecia Areata Research Paper

ALOPECIA AREATA
Description
Alopecia areata, also known as spot baldness, is presumed to be an immunologically mediated disorder characterized by non-scarring patchy loss of hair. It is a relatively common disease and most often it appears in childhood or early adult life but can occur at any age. In two-thirds of cases, partial or complete regrowth of hair occurs within 5 years. Alopecia areata is most common in people younger than 20, but children and adults of any age may be affected. Women and men are affected equally. Various types of alopecia area are classified depending on the area where hair loss occurs.
These include
1. Diffuse alopecia areata: Hair is lost more diffusely over the entire scalp.
2. Alopecia areata monolocularis: Baldness

occurs at one spot.
3. Alopecia areata multilocularis: Baldness occurs at various spot.
4. Ophiasis: It refers to hair loss in the shape of a wave at the circumference of the head.
5. Alopecia areata barbae: Loss of beard hair only with normal scalp hair growth.
6. Alopecia totalis: Complete loss of scalp hair leading to baldness.
7. Alopecia universalis: Loss of all body hair, including pubic hair.

CAUSES
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder which occurs when your own immune system damages healthy cells in your own body. A persons genetic makeup, combined with other factors that reduce the immunity of the person, triggers this form of hair loss.

SYMPTOM
The symptoms include
1.

Patchy hair loss,
2. Widespread hair loss,
3. Mild redness, scaling, itchiness or burning sensation

DIAGNOSIS
Primary diagnosis is done with the help of physical examination.
Trichoscopy may also help in differential diagnosis of the disease. It shows regularly distributed "yellow dots" (hyperkeratotic plugs), small exclamation-mark hairs, and "black dots" (destroyed hairs in the hair follicle opening).
Management
1. The natural history and triggering factors of alopecia areata is unpredictable.
2. Most patients have only a few focal areas of alopecia, and spontaneous regrowth usually occurs within 1 year. In such patients, psychological counselling may be needed due to loss of self- esteem.
3. Nail problems are common in patients with Allopecia areata since both are composed of keratin.
4. Patient education is a key factor in alopecia areata. Inform patients of the chronic relapsing nature of alopecia areata. Reassure patients that the condition is benign and does not threaten their general health.

Reference
1. Drugs used in Skin Diseases, WHO Model prescribing information WHO, Geneva, 2008.
2. http://www.gujhealth.gov.in/who/Wc6bc2f870e8cf.htm
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia_areata

4.