Alopecia areata is a condition where hair falls out. It usually starts on one side of the head and spreads over time. There are two types of alopecia – alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. Alopecia totalis means that there is no hair left on the scalp. Alopecia Universalis means that there is hair everywhere except on the scalp.
Alopecia areata can be caused by stress, illness, or other factors. The cause of this disease is unknown but it has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and diabetes.
The first symptoms of alopecia areata may include:
- Hair loss in patches on your body (alopecia)
- Hair loss on only part of your body (partial alopecia)
The length of time for which you have alopecia depends on how severe your case is. In mild cases, the hair will grow back within 6 months. However, if the hair does not grow back within 12 months then you should see a doctor about this.
In more severe cases, the hair will fall out permanently. This type of alopecia is called permanent alopecia. If you notice any changes in your hair, make sure to contact your dermatologist immediately.
How long does it take for alopecia areata to go away?
It depends on how much hair you have when you start losing it. If you only lose a few hairs at first, then your hair will grow back in about six months. But if you lose more than 50% of your body’s hair, then you’ll need to wait longer. For example, if you lose 100 hairs, then your hair will probably grow back within 6-12 months. However, if you lose 1000 hairs, then you’ll need up to 2 years before your hair grows back.
The most common type of alopecia is called “alopecia areata.” This condition causes patches of baldness on the scalp. Hair loss occurs because immune cells attack hair follicles. In some cases, these attacks cause permanent damage to the follicle.
The second type of alopecias is called “cicatricial alopecia,” which refers to scarring. Cicatricial alopecties include:
- Alopecia X — This is a form of cicatricial alopecia that affects women who are pregnant.
- Androgenetic alopecia — This is a genetic disorder caused by changes in the genes that control hair growth.
- Telogen effluvium — This is a temporary condition that results from hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or other medical conditions.
Most people don’t know they’re suffering from this disease until their hair has been lost for several months.
How long does an episode of Alopecia Areata last?
Typically Alopecia Areata lasts for 3-6 months. However, it can take longer than this to get rid of all your hair loss. The length of time depends on how severe the disease is, whether you have any other medical conditions or if you smoke.
One can not tell the correct time for alopecia areata episodes, however, these episodes may go away if taken care of it properly. Here are some tips for treating alopecia areata so it doesn’t come back again:
- Avoid stress – Stress can trigger hair loss. So try to avoid stressful situations.
- Get plenty of rest – Make sure you get enough sleep every night.
- Take good care of yourself – Eat well and exercise regularly.
- Use sunscreen – Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburns.
- Use a wig – If you feel like wearing a wig, do it! Wigs are great for hiding thinning hair.
- Try using a hair product with minoxidil – Minoxidil is a drug used to treat male pattern baldness. It works by stimulating hair follicles to produce new hair.
- Try using a shampoo with minoxidil in it – Shampoo with minoxidil helps prevent further hair loss.
- Use a moisturizer – Moisturizing lotions help keep your skin healthy and soft.
- Don’t use a razor – Don’t shave your head, eyebrows, or pubic area. These areas tend to be thinner than normal hair. Also, don’t use a blow dryer – Blow drying your hair too often can make it frizzy and brittle.
Conclusion
Alopecia areata is a very common problem. Most people experience one or two episodes of hair loss over the course of their lives. Some people suffer from recurring episodes of hair loss. These episodes usually last between 3 and 6 months. However, there are treatments available to help you manage your condition.