Alopecia is a medical condition characterized by hair loss or baldness. This condition can affect men, women and children and can occur as the result of illness, fungal infection, autoimmune disease or family history, according to medical professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center. People who develop alopecia symptoms should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Broken Hair or Bald Patches
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system abnormally attacks a person's hair follicles, affects more than 4.5 million people in the United States, explain medical experts with the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Though this condition can arise at any age, alopecia areata is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. Initially, people with alopecia areata may notice that their hair easily breaks off while shampooing or brushing their hair. Rapid hair loss causes small, round bald patches to appear across the scalp. People with alopecia areata can also experience hair loss from the face or beard, as well as any other region of the body that contains hair. As of 2010, there is no cure for alopecia areata, though treatments are available to help stimulate hair growth. Even in the absence of treatment, certain people with this alopecia condition resume normal hair growth later in life.
Thin or Sparse Hair
People with male-pattern or female-pattern alopecia may notice that the hair on their scalp progressively becomes thin or sparse, explains Aurora Health Care. People with female-pattern alopecia may have hair loss across the entire scalp. Alternatively, people with male-pattern alopecia primarily experience hair loss from the top of the scalp.
Receding Hairline
Male-pattern alopecia can affect both men and women of any age, explains Ohio State University Medical Center. This alopecia condition typically begins with progressive hair loss from the front of the scalp. Unlike people with female-pattern alopecia, people with male-pattern alopecia generally develop a receding hairline. The extent of hair loss varies greatly among affected people; certain people may only develop a bald spot on the top of the head, while others can become completely bald. People who have questions or concerns regarding these alopecia conditions should consult a physician.
Scalp Irritation
People who develop alopecia due to a fungal infection can experience scalp irritation as a symptom of this condition, warn health professionals with Aurora Health Care. The affected region of the scalp can appear red or inflamed and may begin to flake or itch. People with this type of alopecia should contact a doctor to receive appropriate antifungal treatment to resolve alopecia symptoms.
Member Comments