What is Alopecia? How to Treat It? What to Know?

Alopecia areata is a condition, or an autoimmune disease, that dermatologists can treat. When people suffer from patchy hair loss anywhere on their body, it usually affects the hair on the scalp. "Alopecia" is a medical term for hair loss or baldness; "areata" means baldness occurs in small areas. And, this needs proper treatment. And, in such cases, a dermatologist hair loss London can treat your case.

How Common is Alopecia Areata?

As per the previous 2021 study, Alopecia areata (AA) in the UK affects approximately 15 in 10,000 people. And approximately 100,000 to 400,000 individuals, though these figures often vary by study and whether the count includes past cases.  A dermatologist hair loss London can treat hair issues, detecting the causes and symptoms.

However, this is the second-most common hair loss issue, affecting baldness in both male and female.

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata attacks your body. There are many cases when the immune system attacks your hair follicles, thinking those are foreign invaders. These include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that cause mild to severe infection, illness, and even some diseases.

When this happens, your hair starts falling out, often in clumps and even more. However, the extent varies from person to person. While some may face a few spots, others face them much severely.

What Are the Symptoms of Alopecia Areata?

Hair loss patches are common, including your scalp, facial hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, body, and hair. In rare cases, the patches may form in -

●      Changed colour, sometimes, red, purple, brown, or gray.

●      Mouth-like openings in the hair follicles.

●      Sometimes, black dots that are hair shafts are visible in the openings.

●      Thicker short hair growth on the top and then narrows toward your scalp.

●      White hair growth.

How is Alopecia Areata Diagnosed?

A dermatologist Harley Street can usually diagnose and treat the issues of alopecia areata through a proper physical exam. They even ask you about your medical history, including when you started noticing the changes in hair loss and whether you have a family history of alopecia areata or if you yourself suffer from some autoimmune disorders. To confirm these issues, the doctor may examine your nails too.

Conclusion

Hair loss can happen anywhere in the body. However, Alopecia areata is a common warning sign rather than a condition that significantly causes hair loss and also affects the scalp. It is a fact that many suffer from hair loss, especially when they shampoo or brush. But if you have alopecia areata, the hair loss is more than usual. So, better for you to contact a reliable healthcare provider as soon as you notice the hair loss issues.