From Causes to Treatment Methods of Wonhyeong Talmo (Alopecia Areata)
[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] The causes of hair loss are diverse, including genetics and the influence of male hormones. In particular, alopecia areata can occur without genetic or male hormone influences, and it is often discovered when the scalp itches and is scratched, revealing a coin-sized bald spot. Alopecia areata can occur temporarily and symptoms may naturally improve, but if severe symptoms are neglected, the bald area can grow to the size of a palm or larger, and all hair may fall out. Since the treatment process and recovery period take a long time, it is important not to miss the timing. If you are worried about alopecia areata, check your condition through self-diagnosis and learn in detail how to treat it.
● What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is a form of partial hair loss that occurs in a circular shape like a coin, with clear boundaries around the bald area, making the symptoms easily distinguishable. It affects about 2% of patients visiting dermatology clinics, and it is known that 1.7% of the total population experiences alopecia areata at least once. Alopecia areata occurs suddenly without special symptoms, and the affected area itches without pain, causing frequent scratching. It mainly occurs in adults but can also affect some children and adolescents. In addition to the scalp, symptoms can appear on various parts of the body such as eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, pubic hair, arms, and legs.
● Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be broadly divided into ‘persistent hair loss’ and ‘temporary hair loss’ depending on the cause. Persistent hair loss includes male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, while temporary hair loss includes telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.
① Persistent Hair Loss
▶ Male Pattern Baldness
- Hair loss occurs in an O-shape on the crown
- The forehead gradually widens in an M-shape
- Hair gradually becomes thinner and turns into fine downy hair
▶ Female Pattern Baldness
- Unlike men, the hairline is maintained
- It is rare for the forehead to become bald or for complete baldness to occur
- Hair density significantly decreases and hair becomes thinner mainly in the center of the scalp up to the crown
② Temporary Hair Loss
▶ Telogen Effluvium
- Overall hair density decreases
- Occurs due to childbirth, nutritional deficiency, stress, endocrine disorders, etc.
▶ Alopecia Areata
- Hair falls out suddenly in a clearly defined bald area on the scalp
- Can also appear on other parts of the body besides the scalp
● What Causes It?
Alopecia areata can occur even when the body is healthy without any particular disease, so its causes are diverse and unclear. Genetic factors, autoimmune issues, and environmental factors such as stress can influence its development. It is reported that 20-30% of alopecia areata patients have a family history as the cause. Additionally, when the body's immunity is weakened and immune function is abnormal, immune cells that should protect the body attack hair follicles and hair, causing hair loss. This happens because immune cells around the hair follicles mistakenly recognize hair as an external invader, causing inflammation and resulting in alopecia areata.
● Four Types of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is broadly divided into four types: single patch alopecia areata, multiple patch alopecia areata, total alopecia, and universal alopecia.
① Single Patch Alopecia Areata
- Refers to alopecia areata occurring in only one area
② Multiple Patch Alopecia Areata
- Refers to alopecia areata occurring in multiple areas
- Bald patches appear scattered across the scalp
- When hair loss occurs along the hairline from the forehead to the ears and back of the head, the pattern resembles a crawling snake and is also called serpentine alopecia
③ Total Alopecia
- Complete hair loss on the scalp
④ Universal Alopecia
- Hair loss not only on the entire scalp but also on eyebrows, beard, armpits, pubic hair, and other parts of the body
- This is a severe form of alopecia areata that rarely improves naturally and requires active treatment
● Can Alopecia Areata Occur in Young Children?
Alopecia areata can also affect children, with 1-3% of children reportedly experiencing hair loss. The cause of pediatric alopecia areata is not clearly identified, but stress is suspected to be the biggest cause. Children who are sensitive and emotionally vulnerable are more likely to develop the condition. Major stress factors for children include parental divorce, family problems, issues with friends, school transfer, moving, and improper discipline. Alopecia areata in children progresses more acutely than in adults and can easily recur. In severe cases, it can progress to multiple patch alopecia areata or total alopecia, so it is important to monitor closely and seek prompt treatment.
●Lifestyle Tips to Help Improve Alopecia Areata
▷ Be careful not to accumulate stress
▷ Avoid perms, dyeing, and other treatments that irritate the scalp and hair
▷ After shampooing, manage the scalp with moisturizers to prevent dryness
▷ Eat foods that help hair health such as black soybeans and black sesame seeds
▷ Maintain a habit of regular and sufficient sleep
● Can Hair Regrow in the Alopecia Areata Area?
If alopecia areata is severe enough to occur in other areas, early treatment helps improve symptoms. Once the disease progression stops, hair no longer falls out, and hair around the affected area does not easily come out even when pulled. Symptoms can also improve naturally. After symptoms stop, it takes more than 2-3 months for hair to fully regrow in the bald area. Initially, fine downy hair grows, which gradually thickens and darkens over time.
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