Alopecia is a medical term used to describe hair loss or baldness. It can affect any part of the body where hair grows, but it’s most commonly associated with the scalp. There are several types of alopecia, each with its own causes and characteristics:
- Androgenetic alopecia: Also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, this type of alopecia is the most common and is often hereditary. It typically results in a receding hairline in men and thinning hair in women.
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other parts of the body.
- Alopecia totalis: In this condition, there is complete loss of hair on the scalp.
- Alopecia universalis: This is the most severe form of alopecia, characterized by complete loss of hair on the scalp and body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair.
- Traction alopecia: This type of hair loss occurs when hair is repeatedly pulled or under tension, such as through tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails.
- Telogen effluvium: This is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely, often due to stress, illness, hormonal changes, or certain medications.
Treatment for alopecia depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, topical treatments, injections, or procedures such as hair transplants. However, some types of alopecia, such as alopecia areata, may resolve on their own without treatment.