ALOPECIA
If your clumps of hair fall out, resulting in totally smooth, round hairless patches on the scalp or other areas of the body, then don’t neglect it, it is an indication that you might be suffering from alopecia areata. Alopecia is defined as the sudden hair loss. Some of the more common types of hair loss are described below, including:
- Alopecia areata
- Male and female pattern baldness
- Scarring alopecia
- Anagen effluvium
- Telogen effluvium
- Alopecia reversibalis
- Alopecia totalis
Of these, alopecia areata is most commonly seen. Alopecia areata is sudden loss of hairs in circular patches that may overlap. It is basically an autoimmune disorder, when immune system attacks hair follicles, this damage may or may not be permanent. If damage is not permanent, there are chances of hair regrowth and condition is reversible, also called as alopecia reversibalis. It can affect any age group, but it is most commonly seen in individuals age less than 20. In some cases, there may be thinning of hairs without noticeable bald patches. Hair loss may come and goes- there may be regrowth of hairs in one patch and appearance of new bald spot at another area.
In rare cases, there is complete loss of scalp hairs and body hairs, this condition is termed as alopecia totalis.
RISK FACTORS: Patients having family history of alopecia or autoimmune disease, history of another autoimmune disorder, allergies, excessive hair loss are more prone to develop alopecia.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT for alopecia aims at regrowth of hairs at bald patches and also it slow down/ stop down further hair loss, as it stimulates immune system so that it can differentiate between self and non-self and prevent it to attack hair follicles. For this thorough case taking is essential to arrive at the most similar remedy based on the individualization of case. Homeopathic remedies like acid fluor and phosphorus works well when indicated therapeutically.