Definition of Baldness, patchy
< b>Baldness, patchy: Patchy baldness. Also referred to as alopecia areata.
Alopecia means baldness and areata means occurring in patches.
This process typically begins with patchy hair loss on the scalp and sometimes
progresses to complete baldness and even loss of body hair. The hair loss tends
to be rather rapid and asymmetrical and is different than male pattern baldness.
Alopecia areata affects both males and females. It tends to occur most often
in children and young adults but older individuals can also be affected.
The most common pattern of alopecia areata is one or more spots of hair loss
on the scalp. There is also a form of more generalized thinning. When all of the
scalp hair is lost, it is referred to as alopecia totalis. Loss of all of the hairs
on the body is called alopecia universalis.
The cause appears to involve an autoimmune mechanism. The body's own immune system
attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation. Biopsies of affected
skin show lymphocytes (one of the body's immune system cells) inside of hair follicles
where lymphocytes normally are not present. What causes this is unknown.
Alopecia areata is sometimes associated with other conditions (allergic disorders,
thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis). Some
cases occur within family members and indicate a genetic basis.
The characteristic diagnostic finding of alopecia areata is the exclamation point
hair. These can be found in areas of hair loss and are short broken off hairs that
are narrower closer to the scalp and therefore mimic an exclamation point. In some
cases a biopsy is necessary for diagnosis.
In about half of those affected, the hair regrows within a year without any treatment.
The longer the period of time of hair loss, the less chance that it will regrow
and a variety of treatments can be tied. Steroid injections and cream to the scalp
have been used for many years. Other drugs include minoxidil, irritants, and topical
immunotherapy which may be used in different combinations.
A study reported in the journal Archives of Dermatology (Vol 134, 1998;1349-52)
showed effectiveness of aromatherapy essential oils (cedarwood, lavender, thyme,
and rosemary oils) in some patients. As with many disorders for which there is no
clear cut beneficial treatment, a variety of remedies are promoted which in fact
have no benefit.
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