One common cause of hair loss is alopecia areata, also known as patchy hair loss. In alopecia areata, small round patches or larger areas of hair loss are present. Typically, the hair falls out rapidly, often within a few weeks. Hair loss can also occur in other areas such as the beard, eyebrows, or body. There is usually no itch or pain on the scalp.
Half of those with alopecia areata regrow their hair within a year. The risk of prolonged hair loss is highest in individuals with extensive hair loss and those who develop the condition early in life.
It can occur in both genders and at any age. The most common age of onset is in the 30s. Approximately 2% of people will experience shorter or longer periods of patchy hair loss during their lifetime, making it one of the most common causes of hair loss.
The body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles. The attack does not cause scarring, and the hair follicles are not destroyed. Therefore, the hair has the potential to grow back. Environmental factors such as diet, infections, and stress have little or no significance as causes.
Can hair loss have another cause?
Age-related hair loss is common in men but can also occur in women and teenage boys. If there is itch, pain, significant flaking, pus, or scarring on the scalp, it may indicate a different condition than alopecia areata.
It is particularly important that children with excessive flaking and oozing are examined by a doctor, as the cause may be a fungal infection (tinea capitis).
The most common treatment is the use of corticosteroid creams or injections directly into the scalp. The injection treatment can be painful, and there is a risk of thinning of the skin. Skin thinning after corticosteroid injections often improves within a few months. The injections need to be administered every four to six weeks.
Some doctors consider the treatment to be ineffective and associated with side effects, so they may not offer corticosteroid injections. Other options include immunosuppressive treatments such as oral corticosteroids or methotrexate. More effective treatments may become available in the future. Losing hair can be very distressing. If you feel sad or anxious about hair loss, seek support from friends, family, or healthcare professionals.
