Alopecia areata is the condition in which a specific, define area suffers rapid hair loss. The reasons for the occurrence of alopecia areata are usually such that it is believed they are normally associated with some other diseases. Doctors have been researching, till date, for the best cure for this rare disease.

The main which has been found linked to this disease is genetic factors. Doctors have discovered that most of the patients who suffer from this disease have a family history of it. It is regarded as the autoimmune disease in which hair cells become a victim of immune cell attacks. Cytokines, which are chemicals that are part of the immune system, may play a role in alopecia areata by inhibiting hair follicle growth.

The patch of the effected area is easily recognizable as it is either round or oval, and completely smooth. They are short, broken hairs that narrow at the base. Even a slight pull at these hair forces them to fall out and this may happen with a slight burning in the area of the hair loss.

The progress of this disease erratic and results in a loss of 100% scalp hair. Each person has their own case of Alopecia Areata; for one patient, the hair loss is small patch whereas, others may have more prevalent involvement. Most of the time, the hair grows back, without any treatment, within a year.

There are a few steps that can be taken to avoid or completely overcome Alopecia Areata. Steroids such as Diprolene or Temoyate can be applied to the effected patch. These steroids are strong and take a few months before they show their results. Injections of Celestone can be given to the patient as well, which is also a steroid. With this injection, growth can be seen after every few weeks. The main side effect of any steroid is the thinning of the skin. Minoxidil does not stop the progress of this disease but, helps to increase growth. However, if the application is stopped, the hair will start to fall out again. If a combination of Minoxidil and Anthralin is used, it is said that the growth of hair is more effective. Keep in mind, anthralin is a very common irritant but it does stimulate hair growth.

Alopecia Areata mainly has psychological effects. Because of this disease, the patient focuses more on their significant appearance and may experience depression. The patients are known to have a tendency of asthma and allergies and even hypothyroidism. Because of keratin forms, the patients nail may be predominantly affected.

Alopecia areata may occur at any age of life. Patients are advised to openly address these issues in order to help themselves cope with the condition. Instead of finding a cure, the patients who have no chances of having re-growth of hair, should learn to adapt with it.