Home | Site Map | Contact Us| Reference
 |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Alopecia Areata
What Is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata (Hair loss) is considered an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny cup-shaped structures from which hairs grow. This can lead to hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere.
In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter. In many cases, the disease does not extend beyond a few bare patches. In some people, hair loss is more extensive. Although uncommon, the disease can progress to cause total loss of hair on the head (referred to as alopecia areata totalis) or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and body (alopecia areata universalis).
Is My Hair Loss a Symptom of a Serious Disease?
Can I Pass It on to My Children?
Will My Hair Ever Grow Back?
What Can I Expect Next?
How Is It Treated?
How Will Alopecia Areata Affect My Life?
How Can I Cope With the Effects of This Disease?
Is Research Close to Finding Better Treatments or a Cure?
