Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair fall. The immune system in patients with alopecia areata attacks the patient’s hair follicles, therefore leading to their hair falling out. The hair loss is most common in the face, scalp, and at times, other parts of the body as well. Additional effects may include changes in the nails of patients, itching or tingling where hair loss has occurred, and irritated eyes if eyebrows and/or eyelashes are lost.

Severity

Typically, the syndrome is not life-threatening but it can be psychologically impactful and can lead to an increased risk for sunburning.

Affected Demographic

Alopecia Areata affects around 6.7 million people in the United States and over 160 million people in the world.

Treatment

After a confirmation of the disease, treatment options rely on different factors including age, extent of the disease, and where the hair loss is located. A dermatologist may then prescribe topical creams or ointments, therapies that can be injected into the skin, or pills that can suppress the immune system and prevent it from attacking the body. Though these treatments cannot provide a complete cure, they certainly can manage the symptoms of alopecia areata.

Sources

1. “Alopecia Areata.” Pfizer, www.pfizer.com/disease-and-conditions/alopecia-areata#:~:text=of%20Alopecia%20Areata-,An%20estimated%206.7%20million%20people%20in%20the%20United%20States%20and,a%20lifetime%20risk%20of%202%25.&text=That%20estimated%20lifetime%20risk%20for,from%201%25%20to%202%25.&text=Alopecia%20areata%20is%20equally%20prevalent,can%20occur%20at%20any%20age.

2. “Home - National Alopecia Areata Foundation.” NAAF, 13 Sept. 2024, www.naaf.org/.