The Fundamentals Of Alopecia Areata

What Causes Alopecia Areata In Patients?

Although once believed to be caused by high levels of stress, as some other forms of baldness can result from it, alopecia areata is caused by genetic factors. There is very little scientific evidence to support the claim alopecia areata is caused by stress, although in extreme cases, stress can trigger the condition to occur. As mentioned earlier, this condition occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicle causing it to fall out. Specifically, the white blood cells attack the follicle cells, causing them to shrink and dramatically slow down hair production.

It is still unknown as to why the body’s immune system targets hair follicles in this manner, however, scientists believe it is related to genetics. One in five patients with the disease has a blood relative who also developed the condition, indicating genetics is a major cause. Further research has indicated many patients with a family history of alopecia areata also have a personal or family medical history of other autoimmune disorders, such as thyroiditis, vitiligo, and atopy.