It’s extremely natural to have hairs fall out of your head. In fact, most people shed anywhere from50 to 100hairs a day.
But when your hair is falling out in patches, it could mean you have an underlying condition like alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes alopecia areata, but hair loss from the condition is reversible in some cases.
Many treatments are available to manage alopecia, either by helping slow down future hair loss or by helping hair grow back. However, when you have this condition, hair loss tends to come and go. And even with successful treatment, you may have flares every so often.
If you’ve received an alopecia diagnosis, thin or thinning hair doesn’t have to be the only outcome. Here’s everything you need to know about alopecia areata.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes your body’s immune cells to attack your hair follicles, the openings on your skin that hair grows from.
The cause of alopecia is thought to be pretty complex. The condition has a genetic link and has been associated with other autoimmune conditions, including:
While it’s common to think of alopecia areata as hair loss that occurs specifically on the scalp, the condition can actually cause hair loss from head to toe. You read that right: anywhere.
Alopecia areata can start at any age, but most people develop it during childhood or their teen years. In the United States, it affects about6.8 million peopleof all sexes and ethnicities.
The condition can be categorized into three main types:
There are also a few other forms of alopecia areata that are categorized by specific patterns of hair loss.
TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology (AAD)estimates that, in about half of people diagnosed with alopecia areata, lost hair grows back without treatment within 1 year.
Sometimes, when the hair grows back, it’s there to stay and will never fall out again. However, some people might experience cycles of hair loss and regrowth.
How does it cause hair loss?
Researchers still don’t fully understand why the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing alopecia areata. Theories suggest that both genetic and environmental factors play a role.
Many people who develop alopecia have other autoimmune diseases, which could play a role as well.
Other research findings point to a possible genetic link or predisposition, since20%of people diagnosed with the condition have a family history of hair loss.
Alopecia areata can show up without warning. Here are some symptoms you may experience if the condition is developing:
Keep in mind that new patches don’t always mean you’re losing more hair. Older patches of lost hair can grow back, even as new ones form elsewhere.
While hair loss isn’t physically painful and alopecia areata isn’t life threatening, the condition can still have a major impact on your mental well-being. One small2014 studyof 50 people with the condition found that 38% had depression and 62% had anxiety. It’s important to make your mental health a priority if you have alopecia.
A dermatologist — a doctor who specializes in skin care — will usually need to diagnose alopecia areata. They will examine any areas of hair loss, look at your nails, and ask you questions about your symptoms.
They might also use a tool called a dermascope to get a closer look at your skin. This alone may be enough for a diagnosis, but your dermatologist might also suggest blood work to rule out other possible causes for your hair loss.
While no test can specifically pinpoint alopecia areata, a combination of tests will help you and your doc get to the bottom of your hair loss.
There are numerous ways to treat and manage alopecia areata, but no one treatment works for everybody. The severity of your condition, the locations of your hair loss, and your age and overall health will determine your treatment options.
Just a bit of hair loss
When alopecia areata causes only a few patches of hair loss, a doctor may recommend the following treatments to help regrow hair:
A lot of hair loss
When alopecia areata causes a lot of hair loss or when the hair is falling out very fast, a doctormay recommendone or a combination of the following treatments:
There are also newer systemic meds in clinical trials right now that have shown promising results — so more treatment options may be on the way!
Be sure to have a conversation with your doc to fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of these alopecia areata treatment options.
In addition to traditional treatment options, there are steps you can take on your own to address hair loss or reduce any discomfort that hair loss may cause.
Try these tips at home or when you’re out and about:
Although this may be easier said than done, managing stress can also reduce the severity of alopecia areata cycles. Since stress is a key trigger for autoimmune diseases, keeping your stress levels as low as possible may prevent or reduce cycles of hair loss.
Many people who have alopecia say that stress can make it worse. Consider trying some relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, until you find one that feels right for you.
Additionally, certain cosmetics and accessories can help people with alopecia areata feel more feel comfortable in their skin. Depending on your preferences, you may want to try using any of the following to help cover balding areas or re-create the appearance of hair on bald or balding areas:
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss. It doesn’t have a cure, and researchers aren’t certain of the exact cause, but treatment options are available that can help you regain lost hair or prevent further hair loss. In many cases, hair will grow back on its own, with or without treatment.
If you’ve received a diagnosis of alopecia areata, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and well-being as you navigate hair loss and treatment. This might take some trial and error.
Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your physical, mental, or emotional health throughout your journey.
