Alopecia areata causes small patches of otherwise unexplainable hair loss. People with the condition find it disturbing, but it is actually more common than you may think. One in every 50 people in the United States will develop alopecia areata some time in their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology in an article entitled "Alopecia Areata." Sometimes the hair grows back, while other times the bald patches keep returning again and again.
Possible Alopecia Areata Causes
Scientists have not discovered any concrete alopecia areata causes. They do know that the condition comes from an autoimmune disease. This means the body uses its own immune system to attack itself. In this case, the immune system attacks the hair roots. Most medical professionals believe that people with the disease are genetically predisposed to the condition which flares up with environmental triggers.
Although these conditions do not cause alopecia areata, those with the disease often have other common conditions. These include asthma, eczema, and thyroid disease.
Who is Susceptible to Alopecia Areata?
It's pretty clear that alopecia areata patients are born with the condition. If someone in your family has the disease, you are more likely to experience it sometime during your lifetime. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology states that one in five people with the condition have a family member with the condition.
Although most people think of aging men when they think of hair loss, alopecia areata is exactly the opposite. It can happen to either sex at any age, but usually happens to children or young adults.
Signs of Alopecia Areata
Anywhere there is hair, you can spot signs of hair loss. Alopecia areata occurs on eyebrows, heads, facial hair, and eyelashes. Not always, but sometimes, people experience itchiness in the small patch right before losing the hair there. Otherwise, usually people only notice small round bald patches with no other signs or symptoms.
One other symptom that not everyone experiences in a change in the fingernails. Some people notice tiny little dents in the fingernails. This, of course doesn't cause pain and isn't very noticeable.
Alopecia areata isn't a serious health condition and doesn't mean someone has a more serious medical problem. While hair loss isn't ideal, it's not the end of the world. This autoimmune disease gets passed down from generation to generation without causing any real health problems.
Sources:
Mayoclinic.com, "Hair loss", accessed February 7, 2011.
American Academy of Dermatology, "Alopecia Areata", accessed February 7, 2011.
Kendra Dahlstrom - Kendra has been a freelance writer for over 5 years. Her subjects of choice include personal finance, health, and family. Before working ...
Join the Conversation