Alopecia Research Paper

Alopecia is an Autoimmune Disease, also known as hair loss disease. Alopecia is several diseases with similar, but at the same time different in the types of hair loss. In this paper, I will talk about the different types of alopecia which includes canine alopecia, and the treatments, causes, diagnosis, and prognosis of this disease. Alopecia is a Chronic, acute inflammatory disease.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a condition of the immune system which affects the hair and nails. This disease causes hair loss, bald spots, and is an autoimmune disease. Alopecia affects both men and women. In rare cases, may affect infants.

Causes

This autoimmune disease attacks the hair follicles. Normal formation of the hair is disrupted and does not
grow. Lymphocytes are found in biopsies, penetrating the bulb, thus destroying the follicle. Alopecia areata may be caused by other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Stress also plays a factor in this disease.

The reporting of babies being born with congenital alopecia areata has been reported.
The classification for newborns is not an autoimmune disease. Newborns are born without a fully developed immune system. (MedicineNet.com, 2015)

Types of Alopecia

Alopecia areata is the most common type of alopecia. The different types of alopecia all have similar symptoms, (hair loss). Alopecia totalis is hair loss over the entire scalp. Alopecia universalis is where the hair loss is over the entire body. Alopecia is an inflammatory disease and is not contagious.

Nails can also be affected by this autoimmune disease due to the fact, both hair and nails are composed of keratin. The nails can have a pitting or frachyonychia, sometimes called “sandpaper nails”. The nails will lack luster and may be rough. With alopecia areata, trachyonychia is also associated with lichen planus, and psoriasis. (MedicineNet.com, 2015)

Who is
affected

Adults between the ages of 30 to 60 years old tend to be affected most often, and newborns at birth.

Diagnoses

Alopecia areata is diagnosed simply by seeing well-circumscribed areas of skin with no hair present. Yellow areas of skin deposit at the follicle orifice, grey hair present in the bald spots, broken short hair may also be present. Physicians will do an evaluation and history, as alopecia may be hereditary. The physician may also use a trichoscopy to do a visual examination to help with the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for alopecia cannot predict the outcome of this disease. Steroid injections given in the bald spots may help with the regrowth of the hair in the area treated. Treatments such as steroid creams, lotions and shampoos have a limited benefit. Alopecia has no method of prevention. Wigs and other cosmetic camouflages are an important part of treatment for the patient. This disease has a great emotional effect on the patient. The camouflages can help ease the emotional situation, and are classified as a treatment. Keeping the exposed areas covered when exposed to the elements can help keep the areas free from sunburn. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)

Prognosis

The hair may regrow in as little as a few months. The disease can reoccur over and over for many years. This disease is not life threating.

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia totalis is very similar to areata. The symptoms, and treatments are basically the same. This type of the disease causes total hair loss on the scalp. Totalis starts as Alopecia areata and advances to totalis, which progresses into total hair loss.

Alopecia Universalis

Alopecia universalis is the most aggressive of the three types.
Patients lose hair on the entire body. The difference between this type of Alopecia and the other types, they may need a biopsy on the scalp to confirm the disease. Hair may not grow back when a patient has universalis. Universalis is an advanced type of alopecia totalis, with progression throughout the body, including eyebrows, pubic hair, arm hair, nose hair and more.

Treatment

Treatment for alopecia universalis includes Topical and injected steroids in the areas of loss. Continued treatment may be needed if the hair loss continues in the treated areas.

Alopecia and Animals

Alopecia can affect both dogs and cats. The skin, endocrine system, lymphatic system and the immune systems are affected. Ages, breeds and gender can be considered when diagnosing alopecia in animals. The disease progression for animals is gradual or acute, and is usually caused by an underlying disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms in the animals include scratching, biting and may begin as pustules, hot spots and by other lesions.
Treatments

This disease in pets must be diagnosed accurately for the medication to treat the disease properly. Ointments, creams, shampoos or soothing treatments are used to calm the inflammation. The vet may also prescribe topical antibiotics, antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. Fatty acids, vitamin D and melatonin supplements can help with regrowth of fur.

Prognosis for Animals

The outcome of this disease in animals is very good, if the loss is identified and treated.

In Conclusion

As of present time, alopecia has no cure. The best part of this disease is the follicles remain alive, meaning the hair will regrow, although may or may not regrow with universalis.

Support Groups

Nonprofit groups can give support, raise awareness, and supply advisors. These include the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, the American Hair Loss Association and the Children’s Alopecia Project and many more.

References Dirk Elston M. (2006) “Andrews’ disease of the skin.” ISBN-O-7216-2921-0 Duncan Jason F.; “Endogenous Retinoids in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 133(2) 334-343. www.hairlosstalk.com MedicineNet.com (2015) Naaf.org Odom Richard B. (2006) Clinical diagnosis laboratory methods