Alopecia Areata – An Autoimmune Disease 

Alopecia Areata, a disorder which prompts the immune system to attacks an individual’s hair follicles, causes hair to fall from the scalp, face, and other parts of the body.  It is an autoimmune disease in that it is caused by the immune system mistaking the body’s very own cells as foreign invaders.  It is one of many autoimmune diseases that can strike various body systems. 

It is not known why the immune system reacts to body systems in this way.  But, most scientists believe that genes and environmental factors play a role.  The disease itself, however, needs a trigger.   

If the skin is the target, you may have skin rashes, blisters, or color changes.  In Alopecia Areata, the hair follicles are attacked.   In diagnosing an autoimmune disease, blood tests may help in the diagnosis, but not always.  Your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition quickly based on your medical history, exam, and test results, but the process often takes time.   

Autoimmune diseases are treated in various ways.  Treatments aim at relieving symptoms, preserving organ function, and targeting the disease mechanisms themselves.  Different autoimmune diseases may require different treatments and different doctors.  In some cases, only one doctor is necessary to manage the disease.  In other cases, you may require a team of doctors to treat the disease.  Individuals with Alopecia Areata should consult a dermatologist as this specialist treats problems of the skin, hair, and nails.   

Persons with Alopecia may face problems with self-esteem, but treatments can help. 

Summary SOURCE: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT ...AUTOIMMUNITY (JAN, 2002PAGES 1- 30) HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

SuDoc Number: HE20.3917:Au8