BACK TO MAIN LISTING Weitzner, Jay M. Alopecia areata. American Family Physician v41, n4 (April,1990):1197.Abstract: Alopecia
areata is a condition involving hair loss in one or many areas of the scalp for no identifiable reason. It can affect men or women, and is most common in people between the ages of 20 and
50. Sufferers from alopecia totalis lose all their scalp hair, and victims of alopecia universalis lose their body hair. Alopecia areata usually begins with hair loss in one patch on
the scalp, then involves other patches. Some areas of baldness may regrow hair. The hairs at the periphery of the widening bald patch are tapered and lighter toward the base and
called 'exclamation point' hairs. Signs of inflammation can be seen in microscopic sections of skin from the affected region. Alopecia areata may be familial and is associated with
certain diseases, such as Down syndrome and certain thyroid diseases. Nail changes may also occur. Since the condition has a high relapse rate, the success rates of different
treatments are hard to evaluate. Triamcinolone acetonide, injected into the affected area, corticosteroids, and minoxidil (Rogaine) are often used. These agents do not produce
continued regrowth after the patient stops using them, and side effects may occur. An allergic contact dermatitis (local allergic reaction) may also induce hair growth as may the
application of ultraviolet irradiation. Drugs that stimulate the immune system have also been found effective. Since alopecia areata leads to physical changes that many people find
distressing, physicians should offer support and make patients aware of the support groups that exist. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.) Abstract: Alopecia
areata is an asymptomatic, nonscarring hair loss with spontaneous remissions and exacerbations. Although the etiology is unknown,the disorder is associated with vitiligo, atopy, pernicious
anemia, Downsyndrome and thyroiditis. The area of hair loss may remain localized or mayinvolve the entire scalp or all body hair. Treatment is difficult to assessbecause of individual
response and spontaneous remissions, as well as a highrate of relapse. intralesional injection of corticosteroids is the most commonmode of treatment, although systemic steroid therapy,
contact allergens,minoxidil, psoralens plus ultraviolet light, and other agents have been tried.COPYRIGHT American Academy of Family Physicians 1990 |
