Are you looking for information on types of alopecia and causes of hair loss?
In this article we will tell you about the causes of alopecia and the two most common forms of alopecia: areata and androgenetic alopecia.
By the medical term alopecia we mean the disorder related to the loss of hair or hair in anatomical areas where it should be present.
There are different types of alopecia, which may have different origins related to hereditary or acquired factors.
Let us now see whatalopecia areataand androgenetic alopecia are, what are the triggers and possible remedies to this condition.
Causes, symptoms and how to recognize alopecia
Let us now get to the heart of our guide and examine everything related to the topic offemale and male alopecia, focusing on the two most common forms of this disorder.
What is alopecia
As we have mentioned, by alopecia we mean that process of decrease in the quality and quantity of hair or its disappearance.
Unlike seasonal hair loss,alopecia is a real disease that does not depend on environmental or seasonal factors.
Speaking of alopecia and causes, these can be identified in four general areas:
- Genetic causes;
- Immunological causes, related to autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis, for example;
- Nutritional causes, related to dietary deficiencies or diseases such as anemia;
- Psychological causes, which can cause stress alopecia.
The symptoms and manifestation of the disease may occur differently, depending on the type of alopecia from which one is affected.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by a loss of hair or other body hair that typically occurs in glabrous patches or areas, hence the name.
As for the causes of this disease, the picture is still not very clear. According to the most accepted medical hypotheses, alopecia areata has immunological origins: our immune system abnormally acts on and damages hair follicles, which are perceived as a foreign body.
In addition to the immunological hypothesis, it appears that the genetic component plays an important role in the onset of the disease, which tends to affect individuals with a family history in which alopecia appears.
According to its manifestations, we can distinguish different types of alopecia areata:
- Alopecia Areata monolocularis, affecting a single spot on the scalp;
- Alopecia Areata multilocularis, which occurs in multiple areas of the scalp;
- Total alopecia, which extends to the entire scalp;
- Universal Alopecia, which refers to a total absence of hair and body hair;
- Alopecia barbae or alopecia of the beard, exclusively for men;
- Alopecia Areata Ophiasis, limited to peripheral regions of the scalp, such as the back of the head from ear to ear and/or the occipital and temporal region.
Hormonal or non-hormonal therapies may be administered to treat alopecia areata, depending on the severity of the manifestation.
In any case, diagnosis and treatment should be evaluated only by a medical specialist, who will be able to identify the right solution for your condition.
Androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as baldness, is the most common type of alopecia, occurring in the lifetimes of about 70% of men and 40% of women.
At the origin of this disease is the effect of androgen hormones in the hair bulbs, which suffer the effects causing baldness.
In men, androgenetic alopecia begins with hair loss above the temples and at the vertex. As the disease progresses, a strip of hair is retained on the sides and back of the head. In this case we can speak of a “hippocratic crown,” which rarely turns into complete baldness.
In women, androgenetic alopecia causes diffuse thinning without recession of the hairline, and again, the phenomenon of alopecia totalis rarely occurs.
As for the treatment of the condition, there are several drugs that can treat androgenetic alopecia.
Again, we reiterate that medical consultation is necessary before undergoing any treatment.
Hair loss can cause a state of anxiety and stress, but this should not lead you to make impulsive decisions or listen to hearsay about the treatment of this disorder.
If you would like to receive a medical opinion on the health of your hair and the existing types of alopecia, please contact our Studio: we are waiting for you in Rome, via Cola di Rienzo 212.
For more information or to make an appointment, email us at
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