ONE OF the causes of sudden, spotty hair loss is called Alopecia areata. This is a common condition occurring all over the world. Patients are frequently young and often noticing the first patch before they are 20 years old. Occasionally there is a family history of Alopecia areata.
The startled patient notices abrupt hair loss caused by marked shedding of the hair in small round or oval patches. These patches will slowly become larger and totally bald and smooth. The condition may occur on any hair-bearing area of the body such as the scalp, beard or genitals. Though the hair loss most often occurs in rounded patches or in some cases there is the complete loss of hair on the scalp (called Alopecia totalis) or the loss of all the hair on the body (called Alopecia universalis).
The skin however appears perfectly normal and healthy unlike hair loss caused by a fungus where there is scaling and even the presence of pus bumps on the affected area. In some cases there may be slight tingling or mild to moderate burning and tenderness of the underlying skin.
The course of the condition is difficult to predict. In most cases of Alopecia areata the hair regrows spontaneously within a year. Only 7 to 10 per cent of persons develop a chronic form. Recovery begins with fine white hairs that gradually become thicker and darker.
Although Alopecia areata is frequently a severe cosmetic problem, causing great distress to patients it is a totally benign condition that does not make the patient ill. However, the condition is treated with steroids applied topically or injected into the underlying skin. Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) has been used to good effect in about 30 per cent of cases. Other treatments include the application of substances that cause irritation to the scalp and stimulate the follicles to produce hair growth.
Dr. Clive Anderson,
dermatologist.
