Published on: 5/21/2025
What causes patchy hair loss and how can it be treated?
Patchy hair loss can be caused by a condition called alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disease. Treatments include medications like corticosteroids and other therapies to help hair grow back.
Explanation
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes patchy hair loss. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair falling out in small, round patches.
Causes
- Autoimmune Reaction: The immune system attacks hair follicles.
Treatments
- Corticosteroids: These are medicines that help reduce inflammation and can be applied directly to the skin or injected.
- Topical Immunotherapy: This involves applying chemicals to the scalp to provoke an allergic reaction, which can help hair regrow.
- Minoxidil: A topical treatment that can help stimulate hair growth.
While there is no cure for alopecia areata, these treatments can help manage the condition and promote hair regrowth. It's important to discuss with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan.
(References)
- Pratt CH, King LE Jr, Messenger AG, Christiano AM, & Sundberg JP. (2017). Alopecia areata. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 28300084.
- Abarca YA, Scott-Emuakpor R, Tirth J, Moroz O, Thomas GP, Yateem D, et al. (2025). Alopecia Areata: Understanding the Pathophysiology and .... Cureus, 40026917.
- Lintzeri DA, Constantinou A, Hillmann K, Ghoreschi K, Vogt A, & Blume-Peytavi U. (2022). Alopecia areata - Current understanding and management. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG, 35040577.
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