Introduction

Have you ever looked at a tree? It is covered completely by leaves, flowers and fruits. What a thing to watch? Someone has really said the truth, “A Thing Of Beauty Is a Joy Forever”. But suppose you look at the same tree in autumn when all its leaves fall off. Then what is the scenario? The same tree which had appeared so beautiful soon starts appearing weird. Don’t you think so? Well that is just the case of a tree. Suppose the same thing happens to a human being. Did not get me? Well actually I am referring to a condition called “ Alopecia Areata” in which hair loss starts occurring in patches at places of hair growth. And in some cases can even progress to complete hair loss.

Incidence

Alopecia areata affects 1-3 % of the population, occurring in both sexes.
It most commonly occurs in later part of adolescence, early years of childhood, and can inflict people of all ages.

Variants

Commonest type of alopecia areata is encountered when hair loss occurs in one or more spots on the head.

Baldness in a single spot anywhere on the head is known as Alopecia Areata Monolocularis.

Other Well Known Variants:

A) Alopecia Areata Monolocularis: Hair loss in multiple areas.
B) Alopecia Areata Totalis: Complete hair loss all over the scalp. 
C) Alopecia Areata Universalis: Complete hair loss all over the body even axillaries and genital hair.

Causation

No known contagion is responsible for its spread. But a strong familial history does have forbearance on its occurrence. Scientific evidence reveals that alopecia is may be an autoimmune disease supposedly caused due to attack of hair follicles by the body’s own T cell lymphocytes. As a result, hair growth stops occurring. It has been observed that people undertaking jobs involving lot of stress are at increased risk of developing Alopecia. The chances increase in case of a strong family history.

Presentation

The most common presentation of alopecia is hair loss in small, mostly round patches which are bald. The area of scalp is often the main target, but it can also occur in the region of beard or for that matter anywhere in the body where hair growth takes place. Early signs of alopecia could be easily identified by any common person. If while combing any particular region more hair seems to be pulled out easily in the comb, then it is definitely an alarming sign. Normally, hair does not come out from the scalp that easily. You may have experienced the pain encountered when someone tries to pull your hair with his hand. Hair just refuses to budge from the scalp. But, in case of alopecia, hair tends to come off easily if attempts are made to pull it off.

Treatment of Alopecia

The age old saying of “Wait And Watch” definitely holds ground in the treatment of alopecia. As in most of the cases, hair seems to grow back in similar fashion as before. The modern medicine claims to treat alopecia with the help of steroids although not completely. Available resources are oral corticosteroids, topical corticosteroids or for that matter injectible corticosteroids. Important amongst them are drugs like clobetasol, minoxidil, fluocinonide etc. But as in other cases the use of corticosteroids has many side effects. Alternative systems of medicine like ayurveda and homoeopathy which work on the principle of holistic approach claim to give beautiful results in alopecia that too without side effects. In addition, a new trend has evolved wherein implantation of hair is done to cover up the bald patches. Certain hair weaving techniques have also surfaced which do excellent camouflaging in case of alopecia. But such implantations are very expensive and could be afforded only by very rich people.

Dealing With Alopecia

Although hair loss in patches may seem to be a small issue to an onlooker but it can cause severe mental trauma to the person having this condition. The absence of hair in patches constantly runs through his mind. Throughout the day, he is conscious of his appearance. It is a big deterrent to his self confidence and he cannot face anyone in the eye. Hence, the need of the hour is to create an awareness that alopecia can happen to anyone. Since, it is a genetically influenced disorder, no sure cure can be postulated. But, efforts of researchers are going on all over the world. And some day we may find a sure cure for alopecia.