Alopecia Areata

SKINspecialist.co.za

home | about | skin conditions | treatments & Procedures | linksWelcome.htmlAbout.htmlSkin_conditions.htmlTreatments.htmlLinks.htmlhttp://livepage.apple.com/shapeimage_3_link_0shapeimage_3_link_1shapeimage_3_link_2shapeimage_3_link_3shapeimage_3_link_4
 
Patient 1

Alopecia Areata before treatment

Alopecia Areata after 3 sessions of excimer laser



Patient 2

Alopecia Areata before treatment
Alopecia Areata after 3 sessions of excimer laser
 

 

Patchy hair loss of unknown origin affecting the scalp, beard area or any other hair bearing part of the body.


Cause


Alopecia areata is thought to be an auto-immune disease.  This means that the body makes antibodies to some unknown  substance such as a virus or a medication which the body recognises as foreign.  These antibodies then attack the hair follicles in areas.  The hairs within the attacked area are subsequently lost.  Stress appears to play an important role in its development


Does alopecia areata ever recover?


Most individuals recover spontaneously within about 6 months, even if nothing is done about it.  However, in a small proportion, the hair loss is progressive and should be treated.


What treatments are available?


  1. •Application of steroid creams/ ointments/ lotions

  2. •Irritation of the scalp with DNCB or dithranol

  3. •Injections of the scalp with corticosteroids (cortisone)

  4. •Oral steroids (only very extensive alopecia areata)

  5. •PUVA including Turban PUVA

  6. •Oral Sulfasalazine

  7. •308nm excimer laser


The 308nm excimer laser has been used successfully to treat 9 patients with AA.  treatment was administered twice weekly for a maximum of 24 sessions.

Ref:  J Am Acad Dermatol 2004;51:837-8


How long does it take to recover?

The recovery period could take several months, even with treatment


Could the hair be lost again?


Yes, alopecia areata could be a recurrent condition.  In some it is seasonal and in others, it worsens with stress such as at exam time.


Where can one obtain information and support if one is suffering from this condition?

Alopecia Areata (National Alopecia Areata Foundation USA)