Alopecia is one of the common skin conditions that result from an imbalance in the immune system, where the body is accidentally attacked by hair follicles, and this imbalance causes hair loss in specific areas of the scalp or face, and often appears in the form of small round spots, and despite its psychological effect, alopecia does not cause physical pain and is not considered a contagious or dangerous disease on public health.
Causes of alopecia
The direct cause of alopecia is not yet known, as it is a self -immune disease in which the immune system attacks parts of the body itself, however, scientists believe that there are certain genes associated with the disease and that exposure to viruses or environmental factors may play a role in stimulating the infection.
There are also several risk factors that increase the chances of infection, but its presence does not necessarily mean the disease. These factors include:
Tension.
Family history of baldness or hair loss.
Chromosome disorders, such as Down syndrome.
Other autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Prepare for allergic skin diseases.
Age, as alopecia is more spread among people under the age of 30.
Symptoms of alopecia
The symptoms of alopecia can be summarized in the following:
The appearance of circular spots or spots is free of hair, soft, texture, usually in the color of the skin or a peach -like color. It may sometimes take an unspecified edge shape and be free of scales or redness.
The appearance of short, pointed and scattered bristles inside the affected spots, and these hairs may be colored or white (usually appear white in the elderly), and it is considered a distinctive sign of alopecia.
The appearance of a small click or pits on the nails in some of the injured.
Treating alopecia
It is not possible to achieve a complete recovery from alopecia in most cases, but fortunately, various treatments are available to help control symptoms and enhance hair growth again. Among the most prominent of these treatments:
Minoxidil: a topical pharmaceutical formula used to enhance hair growth, and takes about 12 weeks to start the results.
Corticosteroids: anti -inflammatory drugs are used to treat inflammation associated with alopecia, and are available in multiple pharmaceutical forms such as oral tablets, creams and topical ointments, or direct injection in the affected area (such as scalp).
Topical sensitizers: topical drugs that cause an allergic reaction to the skin, stimulating hair growth in that region.
