Alopecia

Overview: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a notable autoimmune condition, where the body's immune response mistakenly targets hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. This condition is relatively prevalent, affecting up to 2% of individuals globally.

Cause: The precise mechanisms behind Alopecia Areata remain complex and multifaceted. It is primarily an autoimmune disorder, influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental triggers. The immune system's misdirected attack on hair follicles leads to the characteristic hair loss associated with AA.

Who it affects: AA can manifest at any age but is most commonly observed before the age of 30. It is characterised by its unpredictable nature, varying in severity and progression among individuals.

Impact and Symptoms: The hallmark of AA is patchy hair loss, often noticeable on the scalp. In some cases, it can extend to other body areas, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Beyond physical symptoms, AA can profoundly affect psychosocial well-being, contributing to stress, anxiety, and self-esteem issues.

Treatment: The therapeutic approach to AA is tailored to individual cases, factoring in the extent of hair loss and patient-specific considerations. Common treatments include topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, and, in more severe cases, therapies like contact immunotherapy. Emerging treatments, such as JAK inhibitors, offer new hope in managing this condition.

Overview: Telogen Effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss triggered by a change or stressor in your body. It occurs when a significant portion of hair prematurely enters the shedding (telogen) phase, leading to noticeable hair loss.

Who it affects: Anyone can experience Telogen Effluvium, but it's more common in women and people assigned female at birth, especially between the ages of 30 and 60. It is one of the most prevalent causes of rapid hair loss.

Impact on the Body: The condition mainly causes increased hair shedding, noticeable in hairbrushes or shower drains. It can affect the entire scalp, predominantly appearing on the top of the head. While it doesn't lead to complete baldness, it can significantly impact emotional well-being, contributing to stress and anxiety.

Triggers: Common triggers include childbirth, severe infections, psychological stress, major surgery, thyroid imbalances, sudden cessation of birth control pills, certain diets, and some medications.

Impact and Symptoms: Symptoms include increased hair loss, noticeable thinning on the scalp, and dry, easily falling out hairs.

Types:

Acute Telogen Effluvium: Lasts less than six months, typically resolving on its own.

Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Persists beyond six months and may not have a clear cause.

Overview: Male Pattern Baldness, or Androgenic Alopecia, is a type of hair loss affecting people assigned male at birth. It's characterized by thinning hair and a receding hairline.

Who it affects: It's very common, affecting two-thirds of people assigned male at birth, with the likelihood increasing with age.

Impact and Symptoms: It causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinner, shorter hairs, and eventually, hair loss. While it doesn't harm physical health, it can impact emotional well-being.

Causes: Factors include age, hormones (particularly Dihydrotestosterone or DHT), and genetics.

Overview: Female Pattern Baldness, also known as Androgenic Alopecia, leads to hair loss in women and people assigned female at birth. It's marked by thinning hair, especially around the center part of the scalp.

Cause: Age, hormonal changes, particularly post-menopause, and genetics are key contributing factors.

Who it affects: This condition is the primary cause of hair loss in women and people assigned female at birth.

Impact and Symptoms: Hair follicles shrink, causing the hair to become thinner and shorter. This condition impacts emotional well-being but not physical health.

Overview: Scarring Alopecias, or Cicatricial Alopecias, are a group of hair loss disorders caused by the destruction of hair follicles, often due to inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, infections, burns, or certain medical treatments.

Who it affects: It can affect any hair-bearing part of the body but commonly targets the scalp.

Impact and Symptoms: The hair loss is permanent due to follicle destruction. Symptoms include bald patches with smooth, shiny skin, and sometimes redness, flaky skin, or blisters.

Distinguishing Feature: Unlike nonscarring alopecias, where hair loss may be temporary, scarring alopecias result in permanent hair loss due to the irreversible destruction of hair follicles.