Around one per cent of people are affected by alopecia areata, but it is most common in younger women and children for whom the effects can be devastating.
The condition is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Hair follicles work in a cycle and the attack causes them to revert to the resting stage, which is when hairs fall out.
We lose hair every day anyway, but when a person is suffering from alopecia areata, the follicles are resting when they shouldn’t be. However, the important part is that the follicle remains in the scalp and it is possible that hair can regrow even years after the onset of alopecia areata. Changes are unpredictable and growth may stop and start.
If you suspect you may be suffering from alopecia areata, the important thing to do is to go and see your GP. They will either diagnose you or refer you to a dermatologist. Dermatologists also deal with hair as hair follicles reside in the skin. A small biopsy may be taken for the purposes of diagnosis. Only once your condition has been identified can you commence treatment as there are multiple causes for hair loss and alopecia areata is but one of them.