Intro – Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, which are the structures from which hair grows. This attack disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. Alopecia areata can affect people of all ages and both genders, and its onset can be sudden.
Causes
- Autoimmune Response: Alopecia areata is primarily considered an autoimmune disorder. In individuals with alopecia areata, the immune system targets the hair follicles as if they were foreign invaders, leading to inflammation and subsequent hair loss.
- Genetic Predisposition: There appears to be a genetic component to alopecia areata. People with a family history of autoimmune diseases or alopecia areata are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Environmental Triggers: While the exact triggers are not fully understood, various environmental factors may play a role in initiating or exacerbating alopecia areata. These triggers can include viral or bacterial infections, stress, and other factors that can affect the immune system.
- Stress and Psychological Factors: Emotional and physical stress are thought to potentially trigger or worsen episodes of hair loss in individuals with a genetic predisposition to alopecia areata.