- 30% of cases are associated with an autoimmune disease, there is a genetic predisposition and factors such as stress or infections can act as triggers in the appearance of outbreaks
- Most cases are related to the scalp, but it can also affect the eyebrows and beard area in men, causing insecurity, anxiety, and social isolation in many patients.
Valencia, April 1, 2022 – Dermatologists of the Ribera healthcare group ensure that alopecia areata does not distinguish between sexes and ages. In fact, as explained by Dr. Iria Montero Pérez, dermatologist and head of the Alopecia Unit of the Ribera Povisa hospital, "is more common in children and young adults." The head of the Dermatology Service of the University Hospital of Vinalopó, Dr. Irene Latour, who insists that "it affects both men and women." Even adds Dr. Almudena Monteagudo, head of the Dermatology Service of the Denia Hospital, some cases of babies are treated, although they are not frequent.
Alopecia areata is a type of non-scarring alopecia of autoimmune origin, which means, as explained by Dr. Montero, that "our own body, by mistake, attacks hair follicle cells, causing inflammation in the area and the sudden fall of hair. hair". In fact, 30% are associated with some autoimmune disease, she adds, "and the hair will not grow back until we eliminate this localized inflammation."
Dr. Irene Latour, Head of Dermatology at the Hospital del Vinalopó, explains that there are different forms of alopecia areata. “The most common is a single rounded patch without hair and without inflammation of the scalp, known as focal alopecia areata. But the appearance of several small plaques is also frequent, in this case it is known as multifocal, and in a small number of cases all the hair on the scalp can be lost, which we know as alopecia areata total or it can even affect the eyebrows, eyelashes and body, which we call alopecia areata universal”.
In addition, there are factors that influence its appearance. "Although it is not a hereditary disease, there may be a certain familial tendency, generally shared by other autoimmune processes, such as autoimmune hypothyroidism," explains Dr. Monteagudo. For her partner and head of the Alopecia Unit in Ribera Povisa, this disease has a family incidence of between 10 and 20%. Both also agree that stress and infections "can act as triggers." According to Dr. Montero, the prevalence is 0,1-0,2% "and affects, at some point in their lives, 2% of the population."
Regarding the treatment, evolution and follow-up of these patients, Dr. Montero assures that it is usually “very unpredictable” and generally occurs in outbreaks “of greater or lesser duration”. "The treatment of this type of alopecia is decided based on the age of the patient, the extension and the type of evolution of the alopecia," he explains, while adding that, to this day, "there are therapeutic options that help repopulation in many patients”. The most widely used treatments are usually topical, injected and oral corticosteroids, but in very extensive cases, explains the head of the Ribera Povisa Hair Unit, “other immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine, methotrexate or azathioprine can be used. We even use contact immunotherapy with diphencyprone.”
Dr. Monteagudo, for her part, assures that "in more than 90% of cases, medical treatment obtains good results, although some need several sessions and during the first year the risk of relapse is greater." “Alopecia areata is a relatively common disease in dermatology. With the appropriate treatment, a satisfactory response can be achieved in the vast majority of patients, although they will generally require follow-up and several sessions, she explains.
Both agree that the impact of alopecia areata on patients and their quality of life is significant. “Like most types of alopecia, it produces a great feeling of insecurity in patients, affecting their activities of daily living and their relationship with other people”, explains Dr. Montero. For women, for example, adds Dr. Monteagudo, "hair is of great importance and in the fall phase, this type of alopecia generates great anxiety in almost all patients," explains Dr. Monteagudo, who adds that another area high impact are the eyebrows and in men, the beard.
