Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a condition provoking hair loss in the scalp, and sometimes other areas of the body. This can affect both men and women and is thought to be due to an abnormality of the immune system, where the body attacks the hair follicles. The cause of this happening is unknown, though it has been known to run within families.

Patterns of Alopecia Areata

Hair loss on the scalp is most common with this condition, and usually occurs in one or more spots. The more generalized thinning of hair can also occur and is known as diffuse alopecia areata. When all of the hair on the scalp is lost the condition is known as alopecia totalis. Less commonly the hair may be lost of the entire body, which is known as alopecia universalis.

The Treatment of Alopecia Areata

In about half of all cases of alopecia areata the hair will regrow on its own without treatment. This usually occurs within a year, though the longer duration of time the hair was lost over, the less likely it is that it will regrow in the future.

Many treatments are used for this type of hair loss, which include creams, shampoos and steroid injections. Treatments are also used in different combinations, and can use irritants, minoxidil and topical immunotherapy. Certain studies have shown that aromatherapy oils could be effective in treating the condition. These includes essential oils of lavender, thyme, cedarwood and rosemary.

There is no single cure for this disorder, so a combination of remedies are usually used. At present there is no known method of prevention for the condition. Its onset has been related to periods of stress, though it is not due to hair-care products or drugs.