Alopecia Areata is a hair loss condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of gender, age, or location. Many people across India are experiencing sudden or patchy hair loss in their teens or 30s nowadays. This hair loss condition is a type of autoimmune disorder. That means the body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles, nails, and sometimes the retinal pigment epithelium. Today, we will discuss the condition that affects scalp hair follicles, symptoms, and Alopecia Areata treatment solutions in Odisha, India.
Alopecia Areata: In A Brief-
Alopecia areata, a chronic autoimmune disease, targets the anagen hair follicles of the hair cycle and leads to gradual hair loss over time. Although it does not affect the follicles permanently, the hair loss pattern can’t be ignored. Let’s discuss how this condition causes hair loss.
How Alopecia Areata Causes Hair Loss:
- Our hair cycle involves three phases: Anagen, Telogen, and Catagen. During the anagen phase, hair growth occurs in six stages, and stage VI is the final, fully developed hair follicle.
- After the hair growth, in the catagen phase, the keratinization occurs at the end of the hair shaft (Proximal end), and the remaining proximal end undergoes apoptosis (a programmed cell death)
- Then, in the telogen phase, which is a midphase between the degradation of old follicles and the generating stage of the new anagen phase. This is the normal hair cycle that promotes hair growth.
- But, when alopecia areata attacks, the growth of hair follicles is affected in stages III and IV in the anagen phase. That means the already-grown hair follicles revert to the catagen or telogen phase, leading to hair loss or reduced hair growth.
Individuals face hair loss patterns differently, and the pattern of hair loss in this case of alopecia areata has several conditions:
- Totalis pattern- Some people face complete hair loss on the scalp
- Alopecia Universalis– Complete hair loss on the entire body
- Ophiasis Areata (Sisaipho pattern)– Bald spots on the back or sides of the scalp.
- Diffuse Alopecia Areata– Sudden hair growth, and quick hair thinning leading to faster hair loss within a few months.
Common Symptoms of Alopecia Areata-
The most common symptom is hair loss. However, many people get confused about other medical conditions, such as Androgenic Alopecia, Trichotillomania, Traction Alopecia, etc., that are similar to the Alopecia Areata hair loss pattern. Thus, take a look at the following symptoms to clear your confusion.
- Small patches on your scalp and body.
- The patches grew larger to become a large bald spot on the scalp.
- Hair growth occurs at one part, and hair loss happens at the other part.
- Faster hair growth, and sudden hair thinning
- You lose lots of hair within a short period.
- When you feel a slight burning sensation after the hair falls.
- Hair loss in the beard region, creating bald patches, is also a symptom and is known as Alopecia Barbae.
What Are Complications of Alopecia Areata?
There are major complications or risk factors associated with hair regrowth in this hair loss condition:
- Stress and anxiety
- Permanent hair loss
- Skin Damage
- Abnormal hair growth
- Poor hair texture
- Psoriasis or skin infection
Diagnosis–
Common diagnosis methods for confirming Alopecia Areata include:
- Patient’s medical history
- Understanding family history regarding the hair loss pattern
- A hair pull test
- Minimal Erythema- A radiation method that examines the developing bald patches through dermoscopy (a diagnostic tool)
- Sometimes, the nails are used to confirm the condition (If nails are red, brittle, or pitted).
- A skin biopsy is also performed to evaluate active hair loss patches if the diagnosis remains uncertain.
Alopecia Areata Treatment in Odisha, India-
In most cases, Alopecia Areata is treatable naturally without any clinical treatment, and hair regrowth occurs automatically when you take proper care of your hair. However, for those seeking clinical assistance, here is a glimpse of the common treatment options available at different Odisha hair restoration clinics.
● Corticosteroids-
These are often prescribed for autoimmune disorders. Patients have to take this steroid in the injectable form or apply it to the scalp as a topical solution.
- Triamcinolone Acetonide-It is a corticosteroid taken for 5 to 10mg/ml in an injection, and applied to the scalp every 4 to 6 weeks. In this method, hair growth is visible after 7 to 8weeks. However, if no changes occur, the hair care doctor discontinues this medication.
- Betamethasone Dipropionate- This steroid is a type of topical Glucocorticoid of 0.05% in cream, lotion, or ointment, applied on the scalp to treat Alopecia Areata.
● Immunotherapy-
Patients experiencing more than 50% of extensive hair loss must opt for this immunotherapy or topical immunotherapy. The hair care doctor applies an allergen solution, such as Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP, maximum dosage -2%), to sensitize the bald patch areas. After applying once a week, it promotes hair growth after 3 months of application.
● JAK Inhibitors-
This treatment option is risky and leads to severe infection and other chronic diseases. However, those who have serious alopecia areata can opt for such oral Jak inhibitors. Common JAK inhibitors include Baricitinib (JAK-1 and 2), and Ritlecitinib (JAK-3). The visible hair growth one can expect after 3 months.
● Minoxidil-
In some patients, those who are experiencing pattern baldness go for this medication option. One can expect visible results after 12 to 15 weeks from the initial application.
How To Treat Alopecia Areata Naturally?
There are no possible ways to cure this hair condition; however, apart from the medications, people try out these simple steps to hide alopecia areata.
- Wear wigs, hats, or scarves to cover your bald patches and protect your scalp from the harmful UV rays.
- Keep yourself stress-free. The more you live stress-free, the less hair loss occurs.
- Use Styling Products, such as gels, hair coloring powders, and sprays, to hide the pattern.
- People also try a scalp prosthesis, an artificial, custom-made wig that fits perfectly on your scalp.
- Some people save the entire scalp to hide the hair loss condition.
Bottom Line-
Alopecia Areata is not a serious condition until the severity of this condition arises when people experience total hair loss or faster hair loss over a few months. Thus, it leads to anxiety and stress, affecting both mental and physical appearance. Therefore, with an expert hair care advisor, Alopecia Areata treatment is possible. If you are from Odisha and seeking effective hair loss care, Dalaapin Care is your trusted hair loss restoration centre in Bhubaneswar, equipped with experienced hair experts, an advanced clinic facility, and hair care products. Visit us to get the best Alopecia treatment today!