Alopecia Circumscripta: An Autoimmune Condition Leading to Hair Loss

Alopecia Circumscripta: An Autoimmune Condition Leading to Hair Loss

Introduction

Alopecia circumscripta is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in small, round patches. It is also known as patchy alopecia or alopecia areata. Alopecia circumscripta can affect people of all ages, genders, and races, but it is most common in children and young adults.

Causes

The exact cause of alopecia circumscripta is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing them to stop producing hair. The hair follicles are small, sac-like structures in the skin that produce hair.

Alopecia circumscripta is not contagious. It is not caused by a virus or bacteria.

Symptoms

The main symptom of alopecia circumscripta is hair loss. The hair loss usually occurs in small, round patches on the scalp. The patches may be about the size of a quarter or a nickel. The hair loss is usually smooth and does not cause any pain or discomfort.

In some cases, alopecia circumscripta can progress to alopecia totalis, which is the loss of all hair on the scalp, or alopecia universalis, which is the loss of all hair on the body.

Diagnosis

Alopecia circumscripta is usually diagnosed based on a physical examination of the scalp. The doctor may also ask about the patient’s medical history and family history of hair loss.

A biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis of alopecia circumscripta. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of skin is removed from the scalp and examined under a microscope.

Treatment

There is no cure for alopecia circumscripta, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the hair loss and promote hair regrowth.

Treatment options for alopecia circumscripta include:

• Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp. It helps to promote hair growth.
• Finasteride is an oral medication that is used to treat male pattern baldness. It may also be helpful in treating alopecia circumscripta.
• Corticosteroids are medications that are used to reduce inflammation. They may be injected into the scalp to promote hair growth.
• Immunosuppressants are medications that are used to suppress the immune system. They may be used to treat alopecia circumscripta in cases where the hair loss is severe.

Prognosis

The prognosis for alopecia circumscripta varies. In some cases, the hair loss will resolve on its own within a few months. In other cases, the hair loss may be permanent.

The prognosis for alopecia circumscripta is better in children than in adults. Children are more likely to experience spontaneous hair regrowth.

Conclusion

Alopecia circumscripta is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in small, round patches. It is not contagious and is not caused by a virus or bacteria. Treatment options for alopecia circumscripta include minoxidil, finasteride, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. The prognosis for alopecia circumscripta varies, but it is generally better in children than in adults.