Alopecia Areata: One in Fifty Worldwide Affected by Autoimmune Hair Loss
Alopecia areata, a widespread autoimmune disorder, impacts approximately one in fifty individuals worldwide. It induces hair loss, usually commencing with round, coin-sized patches on the head. In roughly ten per cent of instances, individuals may lose all their head hair.
The condition stems from an overactive immune system targeting hair follicles. CD8+ T-cells, a type of white blood cell, focus on and inflame hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to the disease, although the specific environmental triggers remain unclear.
Alopecia areata can affect more than just the head. It may cause loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, and body hair. In some cases, bald patches can merge, forming patterns like rings around the ears and neck. The spread of the condition across different body regions is primarily driven by autoimmune mechanisms, with overlapping immune dysregulation linked to infections like COVID-19 potentially triggering or worsening AA.
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that can result in significant hair loss. Its progression and distribution are influenced by complex immune pathways involving cytokines and chemokines. While genetic susceptibility plays a role, environmental triggers and their interactions with the immune system are less understood.
