Does alopecia areata belong to dermatology?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Alopecia areata belongs to dermatology. It may be associated with mental trauma, psychological stress, vitiligo, goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or genetic factors, leading to abnormal hair follicles and causing sudden localized hair loss on the scalp, or even complete loss of body hair. Hair follicles are a type of skin appendage, and most treatments for alopecia areata focus on the hair follicles. Therefore, patients should visit a dermatologist for examination and appropriate treatment.
Alopecia areata normally falls under the category of dermatology. It refers to sudden, localized hair loss on the scalp with clearly defined boundaries and is clinically considered a common skin condition.
Alopecia areata may be triggered by psychological trauma or stress, or associated with conditions such as vitiligo, goiter, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It can also result from genetic factors that cause abnormalities in hair follicles, leading to sudden, well-demarcated areas of hair loss on the scalp, and in severe cases, complete loss of body hair including eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and axillary hair. Hair follicles are considered part of the skin's appendages, and most current treatments for alopecia areata target the hair follicles. Therefore, individuals experiencing alopecia areata should visit a dermatology department for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Alopecia areata can be divided into progressive, stable, and recovery phases. It typically presents without obvious subjective symptoms; most people notice sudden hair loss incidentally. The bald patches may appear round, oval, or horseshoe-shaped, and nail changes may also occur, such as pinpoint depressions (pitting) or white spots on the nails.
