Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss condition that can also cause pitting of your nails. This type of hair loss is typically not permanent, but several different treatment options are available. If you're concerned that you might have alopecia areata and want to learn about the possible treatments, symptoms and potential complications, consult your healthcare provider.
Identification
Alopecia areata occurs when your immune system attacks your hair follicles, damaging them and causing hair loss, explains the University of Michigan Health System. The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but the condition seems to most commonly affect children and adolescents younger than 20 years of age. About 2 percent of people in the United States develop alopecia areata, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Although this type of hair loss usually occurs in young adults and children, people of all ages and races can develop alopecia areata.
Effects
Alopecia areata typically causes fast hair loss in patches on your scalp that are round or oval in shape, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You might see small hairs inside the bald patches, or the patches may become completely smooth and hairless. If you have alopecia areata, your hair loss will usually come and go, re-growing and falling out again, notes the University of Michigan Health System. In rare cases, alopecia areata can cause total hair loss on the scalp that may become permanent. Accompanying the hair loss is pitting of the fingernails and toenails, which occurs in some cases of alopecia areata. Your nails may develop small pinpoint-sized indentations with a sandpaper-like texture or a distorted shape.
Significance
Alopecia areata is classified as an autoimmune disease that may run in families, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This means that you're at a greater risk for developing alopecia areata if one or more of your family members has the condition. Having other autoimmune disorders, allergies and hormonal problems can also put you at a higher risk for alopecia areata, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Also, having alopecia areata can increase your chances of developing other medical conditions, such as atopic eczema, vitiligo, asthma, allergies, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Prevention/Solution
If you have alopecia areata, you can undergo corticosteroid injections or use a topical corticosteroid like minoxidil to help stimulate hair re-growth, says the University of Michigan Health System. If you have a severe form of the condition, contact immunotherapy or a type of phototherapy called psoralen with ultraviolet A light--PUVA--therapy may be more effective treatment options.
Considerations
Ultimately, because alopecia areata usually causes only temporary hair loss, you may opt to simply wear hair pieces or weaves or certain hairstyles to cover the bald patches, says the University of Michigan Health System. If you have more extensive hair loss, you can choose to wear a head covering like a scarf or hat, which won't harm hair re-growth, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Discuss all treatment options with your physician before you use any kind of medication or therapy.
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