Alopecia

Alopecia is a medical condition in which a person experiences partial or total loss of hair from areas of their body where it is usually present. It can affect any part of the body, including the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and other areas of the body. Alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, autoimmune disorders, or medications. The most common type of alopecia is androgenetic alopecia, which is caused by an inherited sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In this type of alopecia, the hair follicles become weakened and begin to miniaturize, resulting in thinning or balding. Other causes of alopecia may include alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of hair loss, as well as alopecia totalis, which is a condition in which all of the hair on the scalp is lost. Treatment for alopecia depends on the cause and may include topical medications, light therapy, hair transplants, or medications to suppress the immune system.