What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia Areata is a type of autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss. Alopecia Areata is believed to be a genetic condition that is triggered by some unknown cause. Since the cause is genetic there is no chance of the disease being contagious. The disease is classified as being an autoimmune disorder because hairloss is caused by the bodies own immune system attacking the hair follicles. The three main types of this condition are:
Alopecia Areata
This is the most common variation of the condition. In this form the affected person will have one or more round patches of hairloss. These bald spots can appear anywhere on the body, but are usually more noticable on the scalp. In most cases the bald spots will grow back in a few monthes to a year. With proper treatment the amount of time for regrowth can be greatly reduced.
Alopecia Areata Totalis
Alopecia Areata Totalis is where the individual suffers complete hairloss off the scalp.
Alopecia Areata Universalis
This is the rarest variation. People with Universalis suffer complete hairloss of their entire body.