Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles which is where hair growth begins. The damage to the follicle is usually not permanent.
You are more likely to have permanent hair loss if you:
• Have a family history of the condition.
• Have the condition at a young age (before puberty) or for longer than 1 year.
• Have another autoimmune disease.
• Are prone to allergies (atopy).
• Have extensive hair loss.
• Have abnormal color, shape, texture, or thickness of the fingernailsor toenails.
Alopecia areata is diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. Doctor will ask you questions about your hair loss, look at the pattern of your hair loss, and examine your scalp. And may tug gently on a few hairs or pull some out.
If the reason for your hair loss is not clear, your doctor may do tests to check for a disease that could be causing your hair loss.
Tests include:
• Hair analysis. Doctor will take a sample of your hair and examine it under a microscope. A scalp sample is also sometimes taken.
• Blood tests: including testing for a specific condition, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism orhypothyroidism).
Consult at Aadil Hospital for medical treatment
