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What is alopecia areata, also known as patchy hair loss?
Alopecia areata is a common form of hair loss that manifests as small, well-defined patches on the scalp and other areas of the body. The size and shape of the patches can vary, but hair or body hair usually falls out in small, round patches. The extent of hair loss varies from person to person, ranging from mild patches to complete hair loss in some cases.
Alopecia areata is the medical term for patchy hair loss: ‘alopecia’ means hair loss, whilst the word ‘areata’ refers to randomly appearing bald patches. This type of hair loss can be very distressing and may have a negative impact on self-confidence and quality of life. It is important to note that hair loss can occur suddenly, and symptoms may appear unexpectedly.
But what exactly causes patchy hair loss and how can it be treated? Find out everything you need to know in our article!
Alopecia areata is the medical term for patchy hair loss: ‘alopecia’ means hair loss, whilst the word ‘areata’ refers to randomly appearing bald patches. This type of hair loss can be very distressing and may have a negative impact on self-confidence and quality of life. It is important to note that hair loss can occur suddenly, and symptoms may appear unexpectedly.
But what exactly causes patchy hair loss and how can it be treated? Find out everything you need to know in our article!
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a general medical term referring to the thinning, loss or partial or complete absence of hair or body hair. It is not a disease in its own right, but rather a group of symptoms that can have various underlying causes: it may be temporary (for example, following stress, illness or lifestyle-related strain); it may be a gradually worsening condition (genetic or hormonal hair thinning); or it may occur in patches or be linked to the condition of the scalp (patchy hair loss). Therefore, numerous factors can play a role in the development of hair loss, making it a complex condition.
The key to the Denza protocol is to first accurately identify the type of alopecia and the triggering factors, because effective treatment stems not from guesswork but from a targeted protocol.
The key to the Denza protocol is to first accurately identify the type of alopecia and the triggering factors, because effective treatment stems not from guesswork but from a targeted protocol.
The most common types of alopecia:
- Androgenetic alopecia: the slowly progressing form of hair thinning linked to genetic and hormonal factors, which follows a specific pattern (receding hairline at the temples and crown, or widening of the parting).
- Telogen effluvium (diffuse hair loss): temporary hair loss, characterised by more pronounced thinning affecting the entire scalp, which often occurs 2–3 months after a stressor (illness, increased workload, weight loss, childbirth, etc.).
- Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss): characterised by sudden-onset, well-defined bald patches of an autoimmune nature.
- Traction alopecia: hair thinning caused by prolonged pulling or tension (tight hairstyles, hair extensions), mainly along the hairline.
- Scarring alopecia: inflammatory processes can damage the hair follicles; in such cases, early, professional investigation is particularly important.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the hair on the head and body falls out in patches. This is because the immune system attacks the hair follicles, damaging them and rendering them unable to grow hair.
The exact causes and progression of the condition are not fully understood, although both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development: for example, stress, infections or smoking may also contribute to its onset. In some cases, hair loss can also have physical consequences, such as increased scalp sensitivity or a reduction in the skin’s protective barrier.
In this article, you can find out about the symptoms, possible causes and risk factors of alopecia areata.
In this article, you can find out about the symptoms, possible causes and risk factors of alopecia areata.
What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?
Before we delve into the symptoms of alopecia areata, it is important to note that there are three different types of patchy hair loss, which, although they share similar symptoms, are nevertheless distinct. It is important that, should you experience any symptoms suggestive of alopecia areata, you consult a specialist immediately to prevent extensive hair loss.
Types of alopecia areata:
- Alopecia areata: The ‘classic’ patchy hair loss, the most common form of alopecia areata. Bald patches roughly the size of a coin appear in the hair, facial hair or hair on other parts of the body.
- Alopecia totalis: This type of hair loss can affect the entire scalp. The hair becomes very thin or falls out in clumps; if left untreated, the condition can progress to the point where no hair remains on the scalp.
- Alopecia universalis: This form of alopecia areata can cause complete hair loss on the scalp, facial hair and anywhere else where body hair covers the skin. Alopecia universalis is less common than other types of alopecia areata.
Symptoms of alopecia areata:
- Small, round or oval-shaped bald patches on the scalp
- Bald patches appearing on the eyebrows, eyelashes or facial hair
- Areas of the body affected by significant hair loss, such as body hair on the limbs
- Hair loss affecting the entire scalp, with bald patches merging together
- Changes to the fingernails and toenails, including their surface
The causes of alopecia areata
The exact physiological causes of alopecia areata – that is, what happens in the body as hair loss develops – are not yet fully understood. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles responsible for hair growth.
According to a study published in 2014, the development of alopecia areata is linked to white blood cells known as T-lymphocytes, which infiltrate the hair follicles and trigger an immune response. When the immune system attacks these white blood cells, an inflammatory process begins, which disrupts the normal hair growth cycle and causes hair loss.
Alopecia areata can also cause the miniaturisation of hair follicles that is characteristic of androgenetic alopecia. What does this mean? As a result of the immune system’s attack on the hair follicles, they may shrink and then enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle, which ultimately leads to the shedding of the hair. This type of miniaturisation of the hair follicles ultimately results in the formation of characteristic bald patches.
Risk factors influencing the development of alopecia areata
Although the exact cause is unknown, various genetic and environmental risk factors may play a significant role in the development of alopecia areata.
The main risk factors for alopecia areata:
- Autoimmune diseases: Alopecia areata is more common in people who also suffer from other autoimmune diseases. Common risk factors include thyroid disorders, vitiligo and psoriasis, as well as certain allergic conditions such as hay fever.
- Genetics: Genetic factors also play a role in the development of alopecia areata, so a family history of the condition cannot be ruled out as a cause of hair loss.
- Emotional stress: Severe emotional stress may contribute to the development of alopecia areata, although it is not necessarily present in every case of patchy hair loss.
- Infections: Some researchers believe that the development of alopecia areata may be partly triggered by specific viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) from the herpesvirus family. Furthermore, COVID-19 has also been linked to hair loss.
Conditions associated with alopecia areata
This type of hair loss often does not occur in isolation, but is associated with other autoimmune diseases. These may include, for example, thyroid disease, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, all of which can influence the extent and course of hair loss.
When treating the condition, it is particularly important to take associated conditions and symptoms into account, as these can significantly influence the development of a treatment plan. Hormonal changes, stress and genetic factors can all contribute to the development of alopecia, so it is worth paying attention to these factors to ensure successful treatment. During the medical examination, the specialist will identify not only the causes of hair loss but also any underlying conditions, ensuring that the treatment plan is truly personalised and effective.
A comprehensive approach, which takes hormonal, genetic and autoimmune factors into account, can help ensure the best possible results in the treatment of patchy hair loss and help maintain the long-term health of both the hair and the scalp.
When treating the condition, it is particularly important to take associated conditions and symptoms into account, as these can significantly influence the development of a treatment plan. Hormonal changes, stress and genetic factors can all contribute to the development of alopecia, so it is worth paying attention to these factors to ensure successful treatment. During the medical examination, the specialist will identify not only the causes of hair loss but also any underlying conditions, ensuring that the treatment plan is truly personalised and effective.
A comprehensive approach, which takes hormonal, genetic and autoimmune factors into account, can help ensure the best possible results in the treatment of patchy hair loss and help maintain the long-term health of both the hair and the scalp.
Diagnosing alopecia areata
Making a diagnosis requires specialist knowledge, so it is always the job of an expert. If you experience symptoms of patchy hair loss, you should definitely seek professional help, as the condition cannot be resolved otherwise.
Modern diagnostic tools are of great assistance in identifying the exact causes and developing a personalised treatment plan.
Modern diagnostic tools are of great assistance in identifying the exact causes and developing a personalised treatment plan.
Denza’s hair specialist examines the scalp and hair follicles using a specialised, AI-powered tool for hair and scalp assessment, thereby facilitating a more accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. Although the symptoms of patchy hair loss are often clear-cut, identifying and treating the underlying causes – such as other autoimmune conditions – is also a crucial part of the treatment; you can also seek medical advice from Denza for this.*
The Denza diagnostic method is painless and causes no discomfort, so you needn’t worry about undergoing testing for alopecia areata.
Treatment of alopecia areata
Whilst in alopecia areata the immune system attacks and damages the hair follicles, the process does not affect the stem cells responsible for hair growth. This means that, fortunately, alopecia areata can be effectively treated with the right care. In some cases, medication may also help to reduce hair loss, particularly where alopecia affects smaller areas; however, it is usually a combination of treatments that yields the desired results.
During the Denza laser hair treatment protocol, we focus not only on restoring the condition of the hair, but also on underlying risk factors and autoimmune diseases; as a result, the treatments are expected to deliver long-term results, and your general state of health may also improve.
How does the ‘magic’ work? In patchy hair loss, the hair shafts that have become miniaturised are unable to absorb as much sebum as the sebaceous glands produce, thereby blocking the hair follicles’ exit channels. Thus, the first step in the treatment is laser cleansing, followed by a stimulation phase aimed at promoting cell division. Regrowing hair may initially be white, but the restoration of pigmentation can be supported by laser hair treatment: by stimulating melanocyte stem cells, the hair can become pigmented more quickly.
Lifestyle habits in the treatment of alopecia areata
When treating hair loss, it is worth adopting a comprehensive approach; lifestyle changes and treating any underlying medical conditions can go a long way towards improving the condition of your hair.
If you’d like to know what not to do if you’re experiencing patchy hair loss, be sure to read this article too!
If you’d like to know what not to do if you’re experiencing patchy hair loss, be sure to read this article too!
Alternative treatments for alopecia areata
More and more people are seeking natural and alternative solutions to reduce hair loss and promote hair health. Alternative treatments are designed to complement conventional therapies and promote hair growth, whilst supporting the body’s overall balance.
In addition, many people also take various dietary supplements: biotin, zinc and iron can contribute to the proper functioning of hair follicles and support natural hair growth. Did you know? Denza’s hair vitamins contain numerous nutrients essential for hair growth.
However, it is important to emphasise that alternative treatments alone are rarely sufficient to fully treat alopecia areata. Before trying any alternative treatment, it is worth consulting a specialist to find the safest solution that is best suited to you.
In addition, many people also take various dietary supplements: biotin, zinc and iron can contribute to the proper functioning of hair follicles and support natural hair growth. Did you know? Denza’s hair vitamins contain numerous nutrients essential for hair growth.
However, it is important to emphasise that alternative treatments alone are rarely sufficient to fully treat alopecia areata. Before trying any alternative treatment, it is worth consulting a specialist to find the safest solution that is best suited to you.
*Consultations with specialists and treatment are not included in the price of Denza treatment packages.
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