Baldness (alopecia) that occurs suddenly in a specific area is referred to as
alopecia areata. It can strike both men and women at any age, but usually starts
during childhood. Unlike male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, which cause
hair to thin on the sides, front, and crown of the head, alopecia areata starts
with one or more small, round, smooth patches in the scalp or beard area.
Rarely, it causes total body hair loss, a condition called alopecia universalis.
Like most types of baldness, alopecia areata has no cure. However, in many cases, hair grows back on its own without treatment. Widespread hair loss is less likely to reverse itself. Corticosteroids injected under the skin may promote some hair growth, but the results usually don’t last.
An interesting approach to the treatment of alopecia involves inducing mild allergic reactions using either nickel sulfate or the leaves of the plant Primula obconica. It appears that when these substances irritate the skin they trigger new hair growth, but larger studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Like most types of baldness, alopecia areata has no cure. However, in many cases, hair grows back on its own without treatment. Widespread hair loss is less likely to reverse itself. Corticosteroids injected under the skin may promote some hair growth, but the results usually don’t last.
An interesting approach to the treatment of alopecia involves inducing mild allergic reactions using either nickel sulfate or the leaves of the plant Primula obconica. It appears that when these substances irritate the skin they trigger new hair growth, but larger studies are needed to confirm the findings.