Symptoms and Signs of Alopecia Areata
The symptoms and signs indicative of Alopecia Areata include the following:
Nail Abnormalities
Nail problems can often be one of the first indicators of Alopecia Areata. This may manifest as a loss of luster in the nails of both the hands and feet, the presence of white spots or lines on their surfaces, or the appearance of fine scratches. In rare cases, the shape of the nail may change, or the nails may even fall out.
Hair Loss
Typically, patches of hair loss appear, roughly the size of a coin, primarily on the scalp. However, it is important to note that these patches can also affect the beard, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Initially, a single bald spot may occur, and in some cases, two or more patches may form, though this is less common. It is crucial to understand that the number of patches does not correlate with the severity of the condition. Hair loss tends to happen abruptly, over a few days or weeks, with tufts of hair falling out at once or general thinning of the hair.
Other Symptoms
In addition to the symptoms mentioned earlier, Alopecia Areata can lead to several other manifestations, including:
- Changes in hair texture, where small hair strands may appear around the bald spots, resembling an exclamation mark, with the base of the hair being thinner than the top.
- Generalized baldness or loss of body hair, particularly affecting the back of the scalp, though such instances are rare.
- Graying of hair in the bald spots.
- Hair breakage before it reaches the skin surface.
Complications of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata can significantly increase the risk of psychological and social issues, such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, individuals with autoimmune disorders like Alopecia Areata are often more susceptible to other autoimmune conditions, including those affecting the hair and skin, such as:
- Psoriasis: This condition arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks skin cells, leading to an overproduction of skin cells. It results in thick patches, known as plaques, along with inflammation and redness in affected areas. While some psoriasis treatments may exacerbate hair loss, studies have shown a 50% increase in hair growth in the long term among those using Methotrexate to manage psoriasis.
- eczema: Research indicates a correlation between Alopecia Areata and eczema. The treatments for one condition often benefit the other, with improvement in one condition potentially aiding in the other’s treatment.
References
- ^ A B T “Alopecia areata,” www.aad.org, Retrieved 12-5-2019. Edited.
- ↑ Bronwen Watson, “Signs and symptoms of alopecia areata-related hair loss,” www.mymed.com, Retrieved 29-6-2019. Edited.
- ^ A B James McIntosh (22-12-2017), “What to know about alopecia areata?” www.medicalnewstoday.com, Retrieved 13-5-2019. Edited.
- ↑ Amanda Oakley (12-2015), “Alopecia areata,” www.dermnetnz.org, Retrieved 29-6-2019. Edited.
- ↑ Autumn Rivers, Jacquelyn Cafasso (8-1-2016), “What Is Alopecia Areata and How Do I Treat It?” www.healthline.com, Retrieved 12-5-2019. Edited.