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Alopecia Areata is a form of hair loss
characterized by patchy hair loss affecting any hair bearing
area of the body, particularly the scalp
and beard. The hair usually falls out, resulting in totally smooth, round patches about
the size of a coin or larger. Alopecia Areata can, though
rare, result in complete loss of scalp and body hair.
Patches of hair loss occur unexpectedly and may
regrow without any intervention. The cause
of hair loss is related the immune system attack on
the hair follicles resulting in shedding of hair in these
areas. This disease
may affect children or adults of any age.
This form of hair loss occurs in 1-2 % of the population,
one time in their life. Bad prognostic factors include:
early age of onset, involvement of the back of the scalp,
large area of involvement and history of other autoimmune
diseases. Apart from the loss
of hair, affected persons are generally in excellent
health. Alopecia Areata patches usually resolve
on their own, but can be accelerated to regrow with monthly
steroid injections by a physician or topical Minoxidil.
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