Facts about patchy hair loss

According to a research published by CenterWatch, 50% of the hair loss experienced by people in the age group of 18-70 years can be due to alopecia areata aka patchy hair loss. This type of hair loss sparks both confusion and intrigue at the same time. Alopecia areata is baldness that occurs in patches and therefore it is known as patchy hair loss. The medical definition describes it as a condition characterized by non-scarring, circumscribed, usually asymmetric areas of baldness on the scalp, the bearded portion of the face and the eyebrows.

Alopecia areata causes can be various, but basically it is an autoimmune disorder due to which unpredictable hair loss occurs. An abnormal collision between the immune system and the hair follicle cells compels the immune system to attack the hair follicles. This causes inflammation. As a result, hair starts falling out from particular areas of the eyebrows, scalp and even from the beard. The patches are usually big which can also lead to complete hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) and this may even spread to the entire body (alopecia universalis) if not treated on time.

Generally, people having a family history of alopecia areata are more likely to get it. Although extreme stress can trigger it, in major cases, genes are the main culprit.

Patchy hair loss is one of the most prominent symptoms of alopecia areata, where quarter-size patches of hair start to fall out from the scalp, eyebrows and beard. This condition is characterized by sudden hair loss developing in just a few days followed by itching, burning feeling at the same time in the affected area. Since hair follicles are not destroyed completely, regrowth of hair is possible after the follicles’ inflammation subsides. This disease can also affect finger and toenails. You will notice white spots and dents on fingernails or toenails as well.