A more recent article on hair loss is available. Patient Information Handout. Alopecia can be divided into disorders in which the hair follicle is normal but the cycling of hair growth is abnormal and disorders in which the hair follicle is damaged. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Other disorders include alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, cicatricial alopecia, and traumatic alopecias. The diagnosis is usually based on a thorough history and a focused physical examination. In some patients, selected laboratory tests or punch biopsy may be necessary. Topically administered minoxidil is labeled for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women.
Normal Hair Growth
Pathophysiology
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. It affects roughly 6. In the majority of cases, hair falls out in small patches around the size of a quarter. For most people, the hair loss is nothing more than a few patches, though in some cases it can be more extreme.
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Alopecia areata , also known as spot baldness , is a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. Alopecia areata is believed to be an autoimmune disease resulting from a breach in the immune privilege of the hair follicles. No cure for the condition is known. About 0. Typical first symptoms of alopecia areata are small bald patches.
Hair loss alopecia can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.
