The Fundamentals Of Alopecia Areata

Signs And Symptoms Of Alopecia Areata

There are numerous visible and obvious signs a patient may be suffering from alopecia areata, as the condition usually begins when clumps of hair fall out randomly, resulting in smooth, round, and hairless patches on the scalp or body. In some specific cases, the hair may become thinner without noticeable baldness, or the hair may grow and break off, resulting in short stubs called ‘exclamation point’ hair. In incredibly rare cases of the syndrome, complete hair loss either on the scalp and body occurs. The hair loss is sporadic, as the hair will grow back approximately within several months, however, it will fall out in other areas on the scalp or body. Although the hair usually grows back the same color and texture, it sometimes can grow back fine and white.

Approximately ten percent of patients may never grow back their hair, as those afflicted with this syndrome are more likely to have permanent hair loss if they develop the condition at a young age, generally before puberty, or for longer than a year, have other autoimmune diseases, and are prone to allergies. Other causes for permanent hair loss include extensive hair loss, and abnormal color, shape, texture, or thickness of the fingernails or toenails, as the nails appear pitted, as if a pin has made many tiny dents in them, or resemble sandpaper.