What causes alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is thought to be an auto-immune disease. The immune system makes white blood cells (lymphocytes) and antibodies to attack bacteria, viruses, and other 'germs'. If you have an auto-immune disease, your immune system 'mistakes' part or parts of your body as foreign. In people with alopecia areata, many white blood cells gather around the affected hair roots (hair follicles) which are mistaken as 'foreign'. This causes some mild inflammation which leads in some way to hairs becoming 'weak' and fall out to cause the bald patches.
It is not known why it is common for only certain areas of the scalp to be affected. Also, the affected hair follicles are not destroyed. Affected hair follicles are capable of making normal hair again if the immune reaction goes and the situation returns to normal.
It is not known why alopecia areata or other auto-immune diseases occur. It is thought that something triggers the immune system to react against the body's own tissues. Possible triggers include: viruses, infection, medicines, or other environmental factors. There is also an inherited factor which makes some people more prone to auto-immune diseases. About 1 in 4 people with alopecia areata have a close relative who is also affected.
If you have alopecia areata you also have a slightly higher than average chance of developing other auto-immune diseases such as thyroid disorders, pernicious anaemia and vitiligo. (However, it is important to stress that most people with alopecia areata do not develop any of these other conditions.)
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Where to next?
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More treatment options for alopecia areata
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More treatment options for alopecia areata (Part 2)
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What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?
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What are the treatment options for alopecia areata?
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What causes alopecia areata?
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Wigs
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Under the microscope: Alopecia
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Male pattern baldness
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What are the treatment options for male pattern baldness?
Lorraine, about 1 year
My best friend lost is completley bald,no eyebrows,lashes,every hair on the body within a couple of weeks. My main concern is finger nails are curling up. This i have never heard of with alopecia sufferers. I am deeply concerned as he is now suffering from depression were he no longer wants to live. please HELP ME HELP HIM... He's 34yrs with 2 young daughters. Its not known to be hereditary. If anyone could send any advice I would be extremley grateful..
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