Alopecia Areata Is Treatable! By: Anthony Taylor Alopecia areata is a condition in which humans lose hair from some or all parts of the body, but primarily from the scalp. This condition occurs about 0.1-0.2 percent in both males and females. It usually occurs in the late teenage years, early childhood, or young adulthood. In fact, it can happen to people of all ages who are usually healthy and have no skin disease. One of the most common types of this condition involves loss of hair in one or more round spots on the scalp. This condition is not contagious. There is treatment available for this condition. But before learning about the treatment available, let's learn about the causes and symptoms of the condition. Causes The cause may be hereditary. It is more likely to occur in people whose kin are suffering from autoimmune diseases. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its hair follicles and damages or stops reproduction of hair. It has been proven that T cell lymphocytes gather around these follicles and cause inflammation and ultimately lead to hair loss. Emotional stress and a pathogen can combine with hereditary factors and worsen this condition. Although babies may be born with congenital alopecia, yet this condition cannot be referred to as an autoimmune disease because an infant does not have a fully developed immune system. Symptoms * Small, soft, and usually round bald patches * Some burning sensation or slight pain in the area where hair have been lost * Hair fall over a short period of time, and the affected area is mostly one area of the scalp * Hair become narrower along the length of the strand closer to the base Diagnosis Doctors usually tug at a handful of hair along the edge of a patch with lesser strength than would be needed to pull out healthy hair. The hair of people suffering from alopecia areata will pull out more easily along the edge of the patch where the follicles have already been affected by the body's immune system. The hair pulled out eventually fall naturally. Treatment Options Most of the patients do not need any treatment, as hair automatically grow back within a year. Another famous treatment option is the application of a strong topical steroid, such as Diprolene or Temovate, on the patch. This method requires one to be patient, as hair may grow after several months after this treatment is applied. Some medical professionals also use steroid injections, such as Celestone, and inject them into the area where hair are falling. Alopecia areata can also be treated with Minoxidil, which has cosmetically acceptable results in 30 percent of the cases. Another treatment is photochemotherapy, which is used most commonly to treat psoriasis. The patient is given a light-sensitive drug called a psoralen either orally or topically and then exposed to an ultraviolet light source. Some people also benefit from alternate therapies, such as acupuncture, aroma therapy, evening primrose oil, zinc and vitamin supplements, and Chinese herbs. Whatever may be the treatment, the conclusion is that the condition is treatable if a proper diagnosis is done in time. About the Author: Alopecia areata is treated by many hospitals and medical clinics. There is a center for hair loss treatment known as the Alopecia areata Treatment Center in India, which promises treatment with no oral drugs or side effects. It offers 100 percent herbal treatment. Related Articles Natural Ways To Treat A Gout Toe Tips To Stop Food Cravings After You ve Quit Smoking Practice yoga to loose weight Dental Professionals Can Save Money By Reviewing Their Instrument Maintenance So You Suffer From Stage 1 Severe Anxiety Disorder Trust Me DO NOT Allow It To Get To Stage 2 Marketing Your Yoga Career Tips on How to Go About the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Process Alkaline Diet A Real Solution Sandy Springs Skin Care For Women in Their 30s How To Lose Fat And Gain Muscle The Truth Hair Loss Treatments Restore Youthful Appearance A new era in the protection of human eyes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Personal Fitness Trainer What Can They Do For You Burnitupandshapeup.com provides weight loss and health consulting with round the clock assistance. How To Reduce Your Intake Of Purine Rich Foods Superfoods for Super Bones