Alopecia is a medical term for hair loss, which can occur on the scalp, face, or other parts of the body. It can result from a variety of causes, ranging from genetics to autoimmune conditions, and it affects people of all genders and ages. Understanding the different forms of alopecia can help individuals identify their condition and explore suitable treatment options.
Types of Alopecia
- Alopecia Areata Custom solutions for patchy hair loss. An autoimmune condition where the body attacks its hair follicles, leading to round patches of hair loss. It can affect the scalp and other areas, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
- Androgenetic Alopecia Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, this hereditary form of hair loss results in gradual thinning on the scalp, often following predictable patterns.
- Traction Alopecia Caused by excessive tension on the hair from styles like tight braids, ponytails, or extensions, leading to hair loss, especially around the hairline.
- Cicatricial Alopecia Also called scarring alopecia, this rare condition destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, causing permanent hair loss.
- Telogen Effluvium A temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a larger-than-normal number of hairs enter the resting phase due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
- Anagen Effluvium Often caused by chemotherapy or radiation, this type of alopecia leads to rapid hair loss during the active growth phase of the hair cycle.
- Alopecia Totalis A more advanced form of alopecia areata where complete hair loss occurs on the scalp.
- Alopecia Universalis The most severe form of alopecia areata, leading to total hair loss on the scalp and body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair.
- Diffuse Alopecia Hair loss that spreads evenly across the scalp rather than occurring in specific patches. It may be linked to hormonal imbalances or medical conditions.
- Lupus-Related Alopecia Hair loss caused by lupus, an autoimmune disease, which can lead to temporary shedding or permanent scarring alopecia.
