Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, non-scarring alopecia that usually presents as well-circumscribed patches of sudden hair loss and affects 0.1-0.2% of the population. The aetiology of AA is thought to be both genetic and autoimmune in nature. One hundred and thirty-nine single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to AA have been identified in 8 regions of the genome and have been found to be associated with T cells or the hair follicle. Furthermore, patients with AA have been found to have an increased frequency of hair follicle-specific auto-antibodies. The diagnosis of AA is usually made on clinical grounds, and further investigations are not usually needed. Intralesional corticosteroids remain the treatment of choice. Systemic steroids are also highly effective; however, side effects make them less desirable to both patients and physicians. Other available treatment options include anthralin, minoxidil, topical immunotherapy and systemic immunosuppressants. These treatments will be discussed in depth in this chapter. The morbidity of AA is largely psychological; therefore, the successful treatment of AA should include focusing on improving the psychological impact of this condition.

Current application of phytocompound-based nanocosmeceuticals for beauty and skin therapy

“…inflammation and growth disorders, which vary with the individual. [98][99][100][101] This affects the social status of individuals due to changes in physical appearance of the increased hair loss by vellus follicles transformations. 102 Several plant-derived phytobioactive compounds are extensively used in the hair care products.…”

New Modalities in the Treatment of Refractory Alopecia Areata

“…Alopecia areata (AA) is a common immune-mediated disorder [1]. It affects 0.1-0.2% of the general population and accounts for 0.7% to 3.8% of all patients attending to dermatology clinics [1,2].…”

“…It affects 0.1-0.2% of the general population and accounts for 0.7% to 3.8% of all patients attending to dermatology clinics [1,2]. It affects both genders equally.…”

“…It affects both genders equally. Although onset may occur at any age, 60% of new cases had their first diagnosis before 20 years age [1,2].…”

“…Despite its high prevalence, the exact cause and triggering factors of AA are still unknown [1][2][3]. It is considered to be a complex genetic, immune-mediated disease [1][2][3][4][5].…”