What is Alopecia?

Alopecia areata is a disease that causes hair to fall out in small patches, which can remain unnoticeable. These patches may eventually connect and then become noticeable, however. This disease develops when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Can your hair grow back if you have alopecia?
However, even if your hair grows back fully after an episode of alopecia areata, it is common to have one or more recurrences of the condition throughout your life. A few people who develop alopecia areata will progress to total scalp baldness (alopecia totalis). ... You have eyelash and/or eyebrow hair loss.

What are the early signs of alopecia?
Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
Gradual thinning on top of head. This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting both men and women as they age. ...
Circular or patchy bald spots. ...
Sudden loosening of hair. ...
Full-body hair loss. ...
Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp.

Can alopecia areata be cured?
There is currently no cure for alopecia areata, although there are some forms of treatment that can be suggested by doctors to help hair re-grow more quickly. The most common form of alopecia areata treatment is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system.

Is Alopecia a form of cancer?
Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ‐specific autoimmune disorder. Defective immune system related disorders are prone to increase the risk of cancer formation. However, the association among AA and variety of cancer types had never been studied.

Does alopecia areata get worse?
Hair may also begin to thin all over the head." Marilyn Sherlock says that there is no way to tell if the symptoms will continue to get worse. "In some cases, people go on to lose all their scalp hair, which is known as alopecia totalis.

Is Alopecia a disability?
Alopecia areata is not medically disabling; persons with alopecia areata are usually in excellent health. But emotionally, this disease can be challenging, especially for those with extensive hair loss.

How long does it take hair to grow back after alopecia?
Hair will start to regrow on its own two to three weeks after chemotherapy is completed. The hair may grow back as a soft fuzz at first. After about a month, real hair will begin to grow back at its normal rate of 6 inches per year. Your new hair may grow back a different texture or color than before.