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It’s usually genetic, but it can also be triggered by diseases or disorders that attack the hair follicles. Daily hair counts can be done to quantify hair loss when the pull test is negative and it is not clear whether hair loss is actually excessive. People collect the hairs they lose while combing first thing in the morning or during shampooing in clear plastic bags daily for 14 days. Loss of more than 100 hairs a day is abnormal except after shampooing, when up to 250 hairs may be lost. Hairs may be brought in by the person for examination under a microscope.
What is the differential diagnosis for alopecia areata?
The medical name for complete loss of hair on the scalp is alopecia totalis (AT). This patient developed AT after experiencing widespread hair loss (A). AT is more common in children and young adults but can occur at any age. The lifetime risk of alopecia areata is approximately 2%.
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Like some other forms of alopecia, it appears to be related to an unusual immune system response. However, researchers are still trying to discover the exact causes of alopecia totalis. Even if your hair loss is hereditary, there are treatments that exist that can help slow or reverse hair loss. If possible, talk with your doctor to address your concerns and rule out any serious underlying medical concerns that may be causing your hair loss. Tinea capitis, also called ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that can affect the scalp and hair shaft. It causes small bald patches that are scaly and itchy.
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Anyone can experience androgenetic alopecia, which is more commonly known as male pattern hair loss in men, and female pattern hair loss in women, according to MedlinePlus. It's common for women to experience hair thinning with age, called female pattern hair loss. The pattern of hair loss is different in women compared to men and complete baldness is rare. See if you could be affected and what treatments are available. Alopecia areata is a common condition that causes hair loss anywhere on your body, but it usually affects your scalp. Everyone loses hair when they shampoo or brush, it’s part of the hair growth process.
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Cortisone tablets are sometimes used for extensive alopecia. However, due to the possibility of side effects, discuss this option with a doctor. Alopecia areata may begin in childhood or adulthood and can affect people of any ethnicity, sex, or age.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks your hair follicles. No one knows for sure what causes this, but it’s probably triggered by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. In some people, it might be triggered by extreme stress or anxiety. Testing is usually unnecessary if a cause is identified based on the doctor's examination. For example, male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss generally requires no testing.
Alopecia types most common in women
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Often, it presents as circular patches of complete hair loss. In more severe cases it can affect the entire scalp,” says Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, a board certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas. Another common form of autoimmune alopecia is alopecia areata. When people talk about alopecia, they are often referring to this type, which affects one in every 500 to 1,000 people in the United States.
Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
If you notice sudden hair loss, always check with a doctor. There can be other reasons for it besides alopecia areata. For children older than 10 years of age, treatment options are often based on the amount of hair they’ve lost.
What to expect from your doctor
Where you have hair loss, you’ll see no signs of irritation like swelling or discoloration. Upon regrowth, hairs may initially lack pigment and so grow back as white or blonde. Finally, keep in mind that the same healthy habits recommended for maintaining your physical health will also help your hair. Try to find ways to manage stress, and strive for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Traction Alopecia can also be caused by wearing clips from hair toppers or from the pulling and weight of weaves and hair extensions. Overtime, these styling practices repeatedly place pulling, stress and strain on the hair follicles causing damage. One of the first symptoms or signs of Traction Alopecia is soreness and tenderness at the follicle and itching. Most baldness is caused by genetics (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness).
There are practical actions that a person living with alopecia can take. If you have smaller patches of alopecia areata that are likely to grow back, you might choose not to have any treatment. About 10% to 20% of people who have alopecia areata see changes to their nails.
Many people have a relapse within a year of regrowing their hair, and most relapses occur within 5 years. These episodes of hair loss and regrowth can occur throughout a person’s life. There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments that help hair grow back more quickly. There are also resources to help people cope with hair loss. Traction Alopecia is hair loss due to the result of stress and pulling on the hair follicle. It can be induced from wearing hair in tight buns, braids and ponytails.
If you have alopecia, you can help hold onto your tresses by avoiding behaviors that are known to contribute to temporary and permanent hair loss, Mirmirani says. A review study published in 2022 found that it significantly increases hair diameter and hair count in patients with several types of alopecia. It typically isn’t covered by insurance, and it can be expensive, Mirmirani says.
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