Alopecia Condition & Treatment

Alopecia--or hair loss--is an autoimmune or hereditary condition that afflicts men, women and children of varying ages and ethnic groups. Treatment and diagnosis depend on the type of alopecia.

Types

• There are two known types of alopecia: alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks itself. All scalp hair or all scalp and body hair is lost, and the condition is frustratingly unpredictable. Androgenetic alopecia--male pattern hair loss or female diffuse hair loss--is hereditary.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of androgenetic alopecia include hair that thins and falls out near the hairline and the top of the head. Small round bald patches that begin on the scalp is evident in alopecia areata. Eyebrows, eyelashes, beards and even pubic hair can be affected.

Causes

• Many factors can cause androgenetic alopecia: aging, heredity, illness, chemotherapy medications or poor nutrition. Alopecia areata is caused by a tissue-specific autoimmune disorder, in which hair follicle antibodies attack the hair follicles, disrupting hair growth.

Treatment

• Alopecia areata can be treated by rubbing nonprescription minoxidil solution into the area, or by getting corticosteroid injections, pills or cream from a doctor. Androgenetic alopecia can also be treated with minoxidil or with prescription finasteride. Surgical implants are an option, although they can be prohibitively expensive.

Considerations

• Only a small percentage of people experience new hair growth with over-the-counter products like minoxidil. According to MayoClinic.com, these products have no proven efficacy.

Considerations