Dr Sneha Jnanakshee H. R
Alopecia areata is the second most common presentation of non-scaring alopecia and is usually a reversible condition that is characterized by patchy loss of hair without atrophy. It may at least affect anyone or more hair area. Its severity goes and prognosis is unpredictable. It affects males and females equally but is common in children and young adults.
The site of involvement may involve all hair-bearing areas of skin and is observed on the scalp. Hair is rapidly lost in circular or oval patches or, less commonly, may be diffuse involving the scalp
May include facial or body hair
May be episodic or persistent
In alopecia disease may be limited only to the beard, in which case it is called
“Alopecia areata barbae” usually starts as one or more small, round bald patches on the beard ( often along the jawline). These can get bigger and in a small number of cases can progress to total hair loss. The hair usually grows back within a year without any treatment but not always sometimes people with alopecia areata barbae lose their hair again.
Causes ” It is an auto immune disease modified by genetic factors aggravated by emotional stress.
Genetic Factors
although some of the cases have positive family history of about 20%, some others found it to be very less or more. HA studies tend to confirm the heterogeneity of disorder in identical twins, alopecia areata occurs simultaneously in same site.
Auto Immunity
Alopecia areata is found to be associated with certain endocrine disorders whose cause is said to be auto immunity. Although the attempt to demonstrate autoantibodies in serum with patients with alopecia areata failed, its occurrence with the following conditions makes the suspicion of the presence of autoimmunity. Those disorders are diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease, vitiligo and Down syndrome. Some patients with alopecia totalis or universalis the autoantibody level have significantly increased for which the explanation remains unsatisfactory.
Symptoms
Hair loss is sudden in onset can take within a few days, or over a few weeks.
Bald patches occur in small circular patches about the size of a quarter. As more hair is lost, these circles will sometimes begin to overlap. Hair around the edges of these patches may also be white.
Your skin may feel itchy and painful before you lose your hair. Usually, the visible skin is smooth, though it can feel rough. Some people experience redness, irritation, and inflammation in bald spots.
Examination findings – hairs narrower at the bottom, sometimes grow in and around the bald patch.
CONCLUSION- Alopecia areata barbae can also be treated with homoeopathy by sector approach. Detail case taking and follow-ups are necessary.
Dr Sneha Jnanakshee H. R
PG scholar- Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy.
Father Mullers Homoeopathic Medical College and hospital
Deralakatte, Mangalore- 574160
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I think we should have pg in dermatology also