Information About Alopecia Areata

• What Is Alopecia Areata?

What is alopecia areata? Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss. This eMedTV page explains who alopecia areata affects, what its symptoms are, and how it can be treated.

• Skin

There are three layers of skin that work together to protect you and keep you healthy. This eMedTV article takes a closer look at skin, including information on what it is made of, as well as a description of what each layer does.

• Causes of Alopecia Areata

As this eMedTV article explains, the cause of alopecia areata is linked to an autoimmune disease, but it is unknown how the disease slows hair production. This article discusses the possible causes of alopecia areata.

• Alopecia Areata Symptoms

The most common alopecia areata symptoms are a few bare patches of hair loss. This eMedTV article also discusses more rare alopecia areata symptoms, such as complete loss of hair on the head, face, or body.

• Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Treatment of alopecia areata can involve topical medications, photochemotherapy, and oral drugs. As this eMedTV page explains, these treatments may lead to hair growth, but they will not prevent future hair loss or cure the underlying disease.

• Alternative Treatment for Alopecia Areata

Alternative treatment for alopecia areata comes in many forms, such as: acupuncture, zinc, and herbal supplements. This eMedTV page describes these forms of alternative treatment for alopecia areata and the importance of talking to a doctor first.

• Alopecia Areata Prognosis

An alopecia areata prognosis is different for each person. As this eMedTV article explains, the hair that was lost may or may not grow back and you may or may not continue to develop new patches of hair loss.

• Living With Alopecia Areata

Over 4 million Americans are living with alopecia areata at some point during their life. This eMedTV article explains ways to minimize the appearance of hair loss, the importance of skin protection, and other tips for living with alopecia areata.

• Alopecia Areata in Children

While alopecia areata in children usually causes only a few bare patches, some children may lose more hair. This portion of the eMedTV library explores the effects of alopecia areata in children and discusses various treatment options.

• Alopecia Areata Cure

Scientists are actively searching for an alopecia areata cure. As this eMedTV Web page explains, though no alopecia areata cure currently exists, some treatments may help hair re-grow. There are also ways to make alopecia areata appear less prominent.

• Alopecia Areata Research

A few promising areas of alopecia areata research include mapping genes and finding improved ways to administer drugs. This eMedTV page explains the latest advances in alopecia areata research, such as studies of cytokines and stem cell biology.

• Alopecia Areata and Who Gets It

If you have noticed small patches of hair loss, you may wonder about alopecia areata and who gets it. As this eMedTV article explains, alopecia areata is a disease that affects the hair follicles and causes the hair to fall out.