a woman with significantly less hair is holding her head is dismay

What are the different types of alopecia areata?

Hair loss is referred to as alopecia. There are a few different types, and your treatment options are determined by the one you have. To receive an accurate diagnosis, consult a board-certified dermatologist or trichologist.

The most typical symptom of alopecia areata is patchy hair loss in one or more coin-sized (generally round or oval) patches on the scalp or other hair-bearing areas of the body.

Types of Alopecia and Their Treatments

Alopecia areata is a kind of alopecia (patchy)

Alopecia areata (patchy) is characterised by one or more coin-sized (typically round or oval) patches of hair growth on the scalp or other parts of the body. This type can progress to alopecia totalis (hair loss all over the scalp) or alopecia Universalis (hair loss all over the body), but it usually stays spotty.

Patchy alopecia areata that persists

Persistent patchy alopecia areata is defined by patchy scalp hair loss that lasts for a long time without progressing to more severe forms of alopecia areata like totalis or Universalis.

Total alopecia

Hair loss occurs all over the scalp in alopecia totalis.

Alopecia universalis is a kind of alopecia.

Alopecia Universalis is a form of alopecia totalis that is further advanced. This type causes hair loss all over the body, including the scalp and face (including eyebrows and eyelashes) (including pubic hair).

Alopecia Areata In Other Forms

Alopecia areata (diffuse alopecia)

The abrupt and unexpected thinning of hair all over the scalp is a symptom of diffuse alopecia areata. It's difficult to distinguish from other types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium or male or female pattern hair loss.

Alopecia ophiasis

Ophiasis alopecia areata is characterised by a band-like pattern of hair loss on the sides and lower back of the head (known as the occipital region). Because it does not respond as rapidly to medicine, ophiasis alopecia areata might be more difficult to cure.

Hair loss and regeneration in all varieties of alopecia areata can be unpredictable and cyclical (happening again and over again) for many years. Hair may regrow and not fall out again for certain people. Your hair follicles, on the other hand, remain alive regardless of the type. This indicates that hair regrowth can occur even when severe or widespread hair loss has been present for many years.

For these various types of alopecia areata, there are a variety of therapy choices. Making an appointment with your doctor is the only method to determine what form of alopecia areata you may have and the best course of therapy. The following are some of the conditions that can damage your scalp:

Androgenic alopecia is caused by testosterone. This is a common occurrence in both men and women known as Male- or female-pattern hair loss
It can thin your hair if you're a woman, but your hairline doesn't recede and you're unlikely to go completely bald. A broadening of the portion is something that many women notice. If you're a man, the illness can cause you to become bald completely or partially. Androgenic alopecia appears to be caused by both your genes and your environment.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride are two medications used to treat hair loss (Propecia).

Alopecia Treatment with natural ingredients

Alternative remedies are used by some people with alopecia areata to address their illness. These may include the following:

Aromatherapy
acupuncture
Low-level laser treatment (LLLT)
microneedling
probiotics
zinc and biotin, vitamins
aloe vera beverages and topical gels
Onion juice
Tea tree, rosemary, lavender, and peppermint essential oils, as well as coconut, castor, olive, and jojoba oils, were applied to the scalp.
an "anti-inflammatory" diet, also known as the "autoimmune protocol," is a restricted diet that primarily consists of meats and vegetables
scalp massage.

Alopecia areata

Patchy baldness is another name for this condition. Bald patches can appear anywhere on the body, but the majority of people develop a circular or oval spot on their scalp.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly assaults your hair follicles. Without treatment, your hair may regrow on its own.

The following are some of the treatments:

Medications to apply to your bald spots
In-office steroid injections from your dermatologist
For severe hair loss, a dermatologist may apply chemicals to your scalp (also called topical immunotherapy)

Alopecia totalis

Alopecia totalis is a condition in which a person's hair is completely This is a type of alopecia Areata that causes complete hair loss on the scalp. Alopecia totalis management techniques are similar to those used for alopecia areata.

Alopecia due to traction

This is produced by exerting stress on the hair by pulling or stretching it repeatedly. If you frequently wear your hair in a tight ponytail you may get this condition. Transitioning to less-damaging haircuts and rotating hairstyles can help traction alopecia be reversed. For chronic instances, hair transplantation is the most prevalent medical treatment.

Cicatricial alopecia

This is a kind of alopecia that leaves scars. Inflammation kills hair follicles in this condition. Scar tissue results in permanent hair loss. Oral, topical, or injectable medications may be able to help you regrow hair if you start taking them early in the course of the disease before irreparable damage occurs.

Take Away

Because the origin of alopecia areata is unknown, it cannot be prevented. A family history, other autoimmune disorders, and even other skin conditions are among the symptoms of alopecia. As a result, there is currently no way to prevent it.