Welcome to the DSD de Luxe website! In this blog article, we want to address a topic that affects many people: Alopecia Areata, also known as circular hair loss.
Hair Growth and Hair Loss
Every hair on the human body grows from a hair follicle. The life cycle of a hair consists of three main phases of development and a fourth, the hair loss. Anagen is the first and longest phase of active growth, lasting four to six years. This is followed by a short phase of the hair growth cycle, catagen, which lasts about a month. At this point, further hair growth stops. The follicle enters the resting stage.
Then comes the last phase of the life cycle of each hair - the telogen. In the next two months, the hair remains in its follicle but is not nourished and thus falls out (exogen). The "rested" hair follicle begins to form new hairs, considering its own rhythm and the duration of the phases.
Hair growth and natural hair loss are thus a normal continuous physiological process. Every day, a person loses up to 100-150 hairs. If the number is much higher, it's a serious reason to visit a doctor.
What is Circular Hair Loss?
The Latin term for circular hair loss is Alopecia Areata. It is an autoimmune disease. In severe cases, it can lead to complete hair loss.
The typical features of the disease are non-scarring, hairless round spots on the scalp (one or a few). In severe cases, it can lead to complete hair loss.
About 2% of the population suffer from circular hair loss at some point in their lives, regardless of gender or ethnic background. The disease most often progresses in the age of 30-40 years. Alopecia in teenagers and children at a young age is also not uncommon.
In 50% of patients with Alopecia Areata with single bald spots, the hair spontaneously regrows. However, in severe cases, spontaneous remission is rare.
Causes
The exact causes of circular hair loss are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that both genetic predisposition and other factors, such as stress, medications, and diet, can play a role.
In circular hair loss, the normal hair growth cycle is interrupted by suppressing the hair roots at the cellular level. Antibodies are formed against their own tissue, killer cells destroy the follicle. A rapid transition of hair follicles from the anagen phase to the catagen or telogen phase is observed.
Autoimmune disease: in Alopecia Areata, it is assumed that the cells of the body's own immune system target not viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as they should, but the cells of the hair follicles.
It is also known that circular hair loss is associated with other autoimmune diseases:
- Thyroiditis
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
Stress
Significant psychological stress, e.g., at work or in the family, can lead to focal hair loss. Often, patients are not even aware that they are under emotional stress.
Medications
Some medications can influence the development of focal hair loss. Therefore, it is important to read the leaflets before taking any medications and inform yourself about possible side effects.
Nutrition
Exhaustion of the body or acidification can also be causes of the disease. Especially insufficient amounts of iron and vitamins A and C directly affect hair growth.
Circulatory Disorders
It has been found that Alopecia Areata is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart diseases and the following cardiovascular risk factors. Circulatory disorders are often detected.
Symptoms
The disease usually proceeds asymptomatically and is discovered by chance, which makes the treatment of autoimmune hair loss additionally difficult.
In rare cases, a burning sensation or itchy skin that precedes the disease is observed.
The most important and almost only symptom of alopecia is hair loss. The following are observed:
- Small bald spots on the head or other body parts
- The spots can enlarge and merge into larger areas
- Significant baldness in a short time
- Red and brittle nails
- Bald spots are smooth, without rash or redness
Treatment
Localized circular hair loss can be successfully treated. The hair regenerates within 12-24 months after the start of therapy. Total Alopecia Areata is not always treatable with conservative treatment due to massive damage to the hair follicles.
Following hygiene rules is an important aspect of treating circular hair loss. It's best to use a gentle neutral shampoo for daily hair washing.
People suffering from circular hair loss are prescribed vitamins and minerals to ingest. This measure is intended to normalize the metabolic processes in the body of a child or adult and stimulate hair growth.
A significant impact on the success of the treatment is nutrition. Foods high in zinc, vitamin A, and C should be consumed regularly (liver, fish, cereals, mushrooms, fresh vegetables, orange juice).
To stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, the use of nicotinic acid is recommended. It temporarily dilates blood vessels, which leads to a tingling and warming sensation after application. More blood flows to the hair follicles, saturating them with nutrients and oxygen. As a result, the hair grows faster, and the "sleeping" hair follicles are awakened.
During the treatment period, it is necessary to refrain from coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes. This allows the autonomic nervous system to return to a normal state.
The medical guidelines for the treatment of Alopecia Areata include groups of drugs such as:
- Corticosteroids (systemic or topical)
- Topical immunosuppressive therapy
- UVA treatment - local and general photochemotherapy with photosensitizers
- Minoxidil
- Dithranol
We recommend the use of DSD de Luxe products as a supplement to the medical therapy of circular hair loss prescribed by a dermatologist, or as a standalone treatment in cases where medical therapy is not indicated, as well as in the regression phase of the disease.
Key Points
- Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition that leads to circular hair loss
- Genetic predisposition and stress factors are among the primary causes
- Early detection and understanding of symptoms are crucial for treatment
- Treatment options include medicinal therapies, dietary changes, and specific care products
- A tailored treatment strategy can significantly improve quality of life
- Raising awareness of the condition and seeking support are important