Those who suffer from hair loss might know what Alopecia Areata is. However, a majority of people do not know about this condition until they develop it. It is a disease in which hair starts falling in small patches and initially are unnoticed. But soon these patches begin to connect and you lose a huge number of hair strands. That’s when the condition becomes noticeable and the warning bells start ringing in your mind.
In this article, we are going to share some useful information regarding alopecia areata that is essential for our readers to know. If you are interested in knowing what alopecia areata is, what are its causes and how it can be treated, continue reading.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of the victim starts attacking the hair follicles. As a consequence, the hairs start falling out in clumps. The intensity of hair loss varies from person to person. Some people experience hair loss at a few spots while others experience a lot of damage.
Moreover, hair loss is not restricted to the scalp only. You can lose hair from eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body. It slowly develops and recurs between instances. It can develop in people of all ages and irrespective of gender and ethnic groups.
Also Read: 7 Steps to Longer and Healthier Hair
What are the causes of Alopecia Areata?
Scientists are not sure what exactly causes alopecia areata. They are still unable to find the triggering factor that forces the immune system to attack the hair follicles. The normal cells of your body are mistakenly considered as foreign invaders thus attacked by the body’s immune system.
While there can be many factors that contribute to the development of this condition, genetics can be a primary reason. Since alopecia areata is a polygenic disease, both parents can contribute the genes that develop this disease in their child. But some cases depict that it takes more than genes to cause the disease like some environmental factors. So, the research is still in progress to determine the causes of alopecia areata.
Alopecia Areata Treatment:
Although several treatments for hair loss are now available, there is no cure for alopecia areata known till now. But that does not mean it is impossible to treat alopecia. There are ways to slow down hair loss and regrow hair quickly.
Below we will enlist some possible treatments for alopecia areata.
Topical Treatment:
There are some topical agents available in the market that you can rub on your scalp to stimulate hair growth. These medications include;
- Minoxidil – It is an over-the-counter medicine used as the most common treatment for hair loss in Dubai. You can apply it to your scalp, eyebrows, and beard twice a day. The results will become visible in a year.
- Corticosteroid Creams – These creams can decrease the inflammation in the hair follicles.
- Topical Immunotherapy – It is a technique in which a chemical is applied to the skin of the scalp that causes an allergic rash. This rash induces new hair growth within six months.
Injections:
Some injections are also being used to stop the hair loss caused by alopecia and stimulate hair growth.
- Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy is also being used as an alopecia areata treatment in Dubai. It involves injecting microscopic quantities of minerals and vitamins like zinc, biotin, and folic acid into the scalp. These minerals increase the blood circulation to the scalp and help it in repairing itself.
- Steroid Injections: They are mostly used to treat patchy and mild alopecia. The steroid is injected into the skin of the bald spots with the help of tiny needles. This facilitates the hair to grow back on the bald areas.
Oral Treatments:
Oral treatments can also be used to tackle alopecia areata. Cortisone tablets are sometimes suggested by doctors but they have some side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a specialist before using any oral medication.
Conclusion:
We hope now you have enough details about its condition. Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, it can be tackled with some possible treatment options. If you are suffering from this condition, it is better to get a consultation from an expert who can guide you about the treatments.
