Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your hair to come out, often in clumps
the size and shape of a quarter. The amount of hair loss is different in everyone. Some people
lose it only in a few spots. Others lose a lot.
Types of alopecia areata
Alopecia areata: Alopecia is the medical term for baldness. Areata means patchy. This patchy
baldness can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp, beard area, eyebrows,
eyelashes, armpits, inside your nose, or ears.
Alopecia totalis: The person loses all hair on the scalp, so the scalp is completely bald.
Alopecia universalis: The person loses all hair, leaving the entire body hairless. This is rare.
What causes alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is caused by an abnormality in the immune system that damages hair follicles.
This particular abnormality leads to autoimmunity, a misguided immune system that tends to
attack its own body. As a result, the immune system attacks particular tissues of the body. In
alopecia areata, for unknown reasons, the body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles
and disrupts normal hair formation.

Treatment for Alopecia Areata at Adore

1. Injections of corticosteroids: To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist will inject this
   medication into the bald areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as
   needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist’s office for treatment.
2. Minoxidil: Also known by the brand name Rogaine®, minoxidil can help you keep the hair
   growth stimulated by another treatment. You will need to apply it 2 to 3 times a day. It’s helpful
   for the scalp, beard area, and eyebrows.
3. Corticosteroids you apply: You apply this medication to the bald spots once or twice a day as
   instructed by your dermatologist. This medication tends to be less effective in adults than in
   children for hair regrowth.
4. Anthralin: You apply this medication to the bald spots, let it sit on the skin for as long as your
   dermatologist says, and then wash it off. It will cause some skin irritation. To get the best results,
   you’ll also use minoxidil.