Alopecia areata is a type of alopecia that causes hair loss, this happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles (the root of the hair, where hair is born). Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. The damage to the follicle is usually not permanent.
The cause of this disease is probably an autoimmune reaction. This causes the immune system to unintentionally destroy the body's own cells.
The cells that the immune system attacks in alopecia areata are the ones in the hair follicles. To date, experts do not know why the immune system attacks the follicles.
According to some studies, the presence of dental infectious foci can cause alopecia areata, with localized hair loss.
There is a high risk of developing alopecia areata in people suffering from asthma, allergic rhinitis, thyroid, Down syndrome and anemia according to medical studies.
Alopecia areata is most common in people under 20 years of age (age at which 60% of cases occur), but children and adults of any age could be affected. Women and men are equally affected.
It can affect both sexes, it is more frequent in children and adolescents, however, it can appear at any age.
Approximately 1 to 2% of people develop this disease at some point in their lives.
The hair can grow back in a few months being the same color and texture as the rest of the hair.
There is a 10% of cases in which the hair does not grow back, these are exceptional cases and in a great minority. Alopecia areata that have a very small size less than 5 cm in most cases is reversible.
When a patient suffers from alopecia areata has an emotional impact on him, this is due to its unsightly effect.
For this reason, it must be treated as early and quickly as possible, preventing it from evolving into larger round bald areas.
Treatments must be individualized for each patient.
The hair follicles are not destroyed with this disease, so the hair usually grows back.
In Freitas Clinic we are specialists in types of alopecia and treatments, if you have visible symptoms of alopecia you can arrange a free consultation for a hair diagnosis, make an appointment.
