Causes and treatment of autoimmune alopecia (hair loss)

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The following factors can provoke active hair loss:

improper care: the use of metal combs, shampoos that do not match the type of hair, constant blow-drying, tight weaving,
mechanical damage and injury to the skin of the head,
prolonged use of tight headgear - vessels and capillaries of head tissues are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed and as a result, hair falls out,
regular staining and bleaching of curls lead to the accumulation in the body of aggressive chemical elements that provoke active hair loss,
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight - ultraviolet radiation thinning lipid film that protects hair from mechanical damage,
a prolonged state of stress and nervous overstrain provokes baldness even with good care and nutrition,
bad habits - smoking, alcohol - violate the blood circulation of the head tissues, as a result of which the capillaries narrow, hair follicles die off, hair falls out.

Diseases provoking hair loss

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a number of diseases, the development of which may contribute to the balding process.

Most of the prerequisites for the formation of alopecia in men and women are different. The representatives of the fair sex can cause hair loss the following diseases:

Endometriosis. The pathological process of the formation of endometrial cells, in which the endometrium grows beyond the body of the uterus, disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries. As a result, the patient suffers from pain, prolonged bleeding. The structure of hair follicles is disturbed, the process of baldness develops.
Lack of hormone progesterone. During pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, or ovarian disease in a woman, the rate of the hormone progesterone in the blood changes. Its deficiency affects the general condition of the patient, negatively affects the health of the skin and hair.
Anemia. A lack of iron in the blood (anemia) is most often diagnosed in women. Iron deficiency provokes the destruction of hair follicles and prevents the formation of new follicular associations. Follicles do not receive enough protein molecules necessary for normal hair growth. As a result, hair cover thins out very quickly.
Diseases of the thyroid gland. Excess hormones (hyperthyroidism) or their insufficient production (hypothyroidism) is a pathology characteristic of women. Thyroid hormones activate hair growth, stimulate the division of the hair bulb. An imbalance of hormones provokes active hair loss.

Attention! Often, after a rapid weight loss, women notice a deterioration in the state of hair. Most often this is due to stomach problems, for example, during atrophic gastritis or microbe infection Helicobacter pylori. In the absence of proper treatment, the situation may worsen, even to alopecia.

If the cause of alopecia is a disease and the patient is a man, then one of the following diagnoses is more likely indicated in his medical record:

Cervical osteochondrosis. Neurological pathology caused by metabolic disorders in the body. Intervertebral elements are destroyed. The patient suffers from pain in the neck and back. Deformity provokes muscle spasms and pinched nerves. Disturbed natural blood flow to the tissues. Hair follicles weaken and gradually die off.
Pneumonia. Acute inflammatory disease occurring against the background of increased body temperature, contributes to the interruption of the hair growth phase and baldness.
Avitaminosis. Lack of vitamins and microelements in the body violates metabolic processes and blood circulation in the tissues. As a result, hair follicles do not receive the necessary nutrition, weaken and begin to fall out.
Liver disease, pancreatitis. Excessive use of alcohol, chemical poisoning, uncontrolled drug therapy - all of these factors activate the process of destruction of liver and pancreas cells. As a result, the natural process of absorption of substances necessary for the body is disrupted. Skin, nails and hair are affected, baldness is activated.

Regardless of gender

Regardless of gender, the following pathologies can provoke alopecia:

Helminthiasis Not all types of parasites provoke active hair loss. The cause of alopecia is infection with worms that cause a lack of protein in the body (for example, bovine tapeworms). If a person’s immune system is weakened, he is unable to resist helminthiasis. As a result, the protective forces gradually fade away, the amount of protein in the blood decreases. The process of active growth of hair follicles is disturbed, alopecia develops.
Oncopathology. Active hair loss provokes not so much cancer as treatment with chemotherapy drugs. They have a dual effect on the body. On the one hand, cancer cells are killed, eliminating the cause of malignant tumors, on the other hand, they destroy healthy cells (including hair follicles) and provoke baldness.
Diabetes. Pathology provoked by metabolic disorders, changes the natural blood circulation process. As a result, tissues, hair follicles do not receive enough oxygen molecules, weaken and begin to fall out.
Hiv The general weakening of the body under the influence of associated pathological processes, provokes active hair loss. The regular intake of immunomodulating drugs and multivitamins will help to stop the balding process of an HIV-infected person.
Dysbacteriosis. Pathological process in the intestine causes disturbances of microflora. Toxins, spreading through the bloodstream throughout the body, cause severe intoxication. A large number of intestinal bacteria, absorbs elements of iron, thereby reducing the natural level of ferritin. A low ferritin value leads to the fact that tissues and hair follicles do not receive enough nutrients, weaken and gradually fall out.

An important point! You can stop alopecia by eradicating the root cause of its occurrence, that is, by curing a disease that provokes hair loss.

What medications provoke hair loss

Uncontrolled intake of drugs can cause the development of alopecia.

Drugs that can cause baldness:

drugs derived from vitamin A, - Akutan,
anticoagulants - Sofarin, Kumazhdin,
drugs that normalize cholesterol in the blood - Lopid,
antidepressants - Sinekvan, Paxil, Zoloft,
antifungal agents
beta blockers - Timoptik, eye drops,
drugs that lower blood pressure - Tenomin,
contraceptive and hormonal drugs - Prednisone,
anti-inflammatory drugs - naproxen,
drugs used in chemotherapy, Roaccutane,
antibiotics.

Uncontrolled medication negatively affects the state of the intestinal flora and the synthesis of vitamins of group B. Together, these factors activate the process of destruction of the hair follicles, baldness.

Timely diagnosis of diseases of the internal organs and systems, a competent approach to the treatment process and control by doctors of drug treatment are a guarantee of the restoration of the thickness of hair and the prevention of recurrence of alopecia in the future.

Sudden focal alopecia: classification and causes

Hair loss in certain areas of the head, leading to a rounded center of baldness, in clinical dermatology is designated by the term "alopecia areata". The disease also has other names:

alopecia areata,
pelada
circular baldness,
nesting baldness.

Focal baldness is a rather rare disease, interesting because hair loss begins without a pronounced preceding cause, and also suddenly stops.

The disease can last for a long time and lead to absolute loss of hair not only on the head, but also on the face (beard, eyelashes of the eyebrow) and the body, and it can quickly stop, and the growth of hair will resume.

The causes of alopecia areata are not clearly understood. Often baldness is associated with autoimmune diseases (hypoparathyroidism, primary adrenal insufficiency, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and others), which gives reason to judge focal alopecia as a pathology that has an autoimmune nature of occurrence.

Some researchers attribute the following adverse factors to the causes of circular baldness:

Mental stress. According to the anamnesis of patients, a link was established between hair loss and stress. Thus, in 87% of patients, sudden alopecia was preceded by strong emotional shocks.
Zinc and iron deficiency in the body.
Disruption of the nervous and digestive systems.
Genetic factors.

According to the mechanisms of occurrence, 6 types of focal alopecia are distinguished:

Normal type. Develops in age from 20 to 40 years.
Prehypertensive. It occurs as a condition preceding the development of hypertension.
Atopic. It is combined with atopic diseases: bronchial asthma, dermatitis.
Autoimmune. It occurs along with other autoimmune diseases.
Mixed. It develops mainly in the elderly and is characterized by a sluggish course of the disease.

People of any age and gender are equally affected by baldness. According to statistics, this pathology is found only in 2% of the world's population.

Signs and diagnosis of focal alopecia

Hair begins to fall out gradually, forming bald spots within a few weeks or months. Moreover, the patient does not experience any discomfort during the formation of baldness.

The course of the disease is unpredictable. Sometimes hair growth in the foci of baldness is fully restored, but in the meantime new bald spots are formed in other parts of the head. In other cases, the disease stops and does not bother the patient for years. Or it takes on a chronic character: the overgrowing of existing bald spots and the appearance of new ones — such a process can last for decades.

During focal alopecia, there are three stages:

Progressive. Hair loss in the focus of baldness, and the remaining hairs are easily removed when they are pulled. The skin in this area has redness and is slightly swollen. Along the edge of the lesion, the hairs are broken off and slightly thickened at the ends.
Stationary The skin in the bald spot is not changed, the "broken off" hairs on the borders of the focus, in contrast to the first stage, are not defined.
Regressing. On the bald spots new hairs begin to appear, at first thin and colorless (downy), which gradually thicken and pigment.

Depending on the area of the lesion, there is also a total stage, characterized by a complete lack of hair on the head, subtotal - in which areas with healthy hair and universal hair remain on the scalp, which results in the absence of hair on the body, face and head.

Diagnosis of alopecia baldness

The main diagnostic method for determining hair loss is an external examination of the patient's scalp.

With the help of visible changes occurring on the patient's skin and hair, a specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis.

To determine the cause of focal alopecia, as well as for the purpose of differential diagnosis, patients conduct the following studies:

biochemical and complete blood count,
a blood test for syphilis and HIV
determination of hormone concentrations
study of the content of trace elements in the body,
microscopic analysis of the fungus,
MRI,
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, adrenal glands, ovaries.

Also, patients are advised to consult a neurologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist.

Drug treatment

Universal treatment of alopecia areata does not exist. Therapeutic tactics are determined by the doctor, based on such factors as the patient's age, the stage of the disease, the degree of its course.

The main focus is on the means of external treatment:

Hormonal ointment group glucocorticosteroids. Betamethasone ointment is applied externally to the affected area twice a day for two months.
Intradermal injections. Ampoules of betamethasone or diprospan solutions are injected with a syringe into the affected areas.
As a symptomatic treatment using shampoos, solutions and sprays for hair growth on the basis of Minoxidil: "Generolon", "Alerana", "Regeyn".

Inside prescribed drugs of copper, iron and zinc tablets. And also use drugs that improve microcirculation: chimes, pentoxifylline, trental.

Great success in the treatment of baldness are the methods of physiotherapy: electrophoresis, galvanization, photochemotherapy, darsonvalization, cryomassage.

What causes

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If alopecia occurs spontaneously, then the causes of this phenomenon lie in the human immune system. As a result of its failure, its own hair follicles are identified as a foreign agent, against which T-lymphocytes are directed (in normal conditions they protect the human body from the action of pathogenic organisms - bacteria, viruses, and malignant neoplasm cells). After the attack of their own immunity, the bulbs go from the active phase to the sleeping one (there is a suspension of hair growth for about 3 months), and then the hair begins to actively fall out. Due to the “sleep” of the bulbs, their timely replacement with new ones and their hair does not occur fairly thin. Restoration of the hair growth phase is possible only after the end of the lymphocyte attack. The reasons for the start of such a reaction lies in the body itself, and without appropriate treatment, the process can drag on for years.

Alopecia may appear as a result of increased production of male sex hormones, then it is called androgenic. This is the reason provoke hair loss in more than 90% of cases. If in men this is a normal situation, then in the female body, it indicates a malfunction of the endocrine system. Male alopecia begins with a change in the line of hair growth in the forehead area (the border gradually moves back), focal hair loss in the parietal zone gradually increases and after the appearance of the bald patch the center expands to the periphery of the hair growth zone.

Female androgenic alopecia is characterized by a uniform thinning of hair over the entire surface of the scalp. Restoration of hair density is possible only after eliminating the cause that caused the change in hormone production.

Foci of chronic infection in the body are also considered as the cause of alopecia. Sluggish inflammatory processes can be found in various places: in the oral cavity (teeth and gums), in the pharynx, in the ovaries, in the tonsils.

Disturbances in the functioning of the glands can cause alopecia.In particular, the thyroid gland and ovaries in women can affect the density of the hairstyle.

In some diseases, secondary alopecia (systemic lupus erythematosus, syphilis, scleroderma) can develop. In this case, to return the hair follicles to a normal state, it is necessary to treat such diseases. If hair loss is observed not only on the head, but also on other parts of the body (armpits, legs, hands, pubic area), then the cause may be a malignant tumor.

After determining the cause of hair loss, all treatment is sent to eliminate it. You need to be prepared for the fact that alopecia is treated for a long time and under the close supervision of a doctor. Self-healing is extremely rare, but such cases have been recorded. If the disease is secondary, it is necessary to cure the root cause and the density of the hairstyle will be restored.

With varying degrees of severity of focal alopecia, treatment can be applied according to 2 schemes:

If lost up to 50% of hair.
If lost more than 50% of the hair.

If alopecia is focal and less than half of hair is lost, the treatment consists of the following medicines:

Corticosteroids. Local application is possible in the form of external ointments (creams) or intradermal administration directly into baldness areas.
Retin containing preparations in the form of an ointment (gel).
Minoxidil. Originally created for the treatment of hypertension, but showed a good result when applied topically for the treatment of hair loss. Alternation during the day with retin preparations is possible.

If with focal alopecia more than half of hair is lost, the treatment is based on the following scheme:

Corticosteroids. Apply inside or as an injection.
PUVA therapy. Reception of the photosensitive substance which is activated under the influence of ultra-violet radiation.
Apply allergens and irritants directly to areas of baldness.
Cytostatics (immunosuppressants) are used to block the autoimmune reaction.

If alopecia is caused by hormonal imbalance, then oral contraceptives are effective for women, and for men - a special drug to suppress the activity of 5-alpha reductase.

Treatment with any scheme is carried out for at least 3 months and continues until the beginning of the growth of new hair. The individual scheme and duration of the course are selected by the doctor.

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The main reason

Autoimmune alopecia is a very strange phenomenon in nature, the development mechanism of which doctors are still studying. In its normal state, the immune system protects the body from invading pathogens. Special cells attack everything that could threaten our health. Usually they themselves die in these collisions, but a massive attack leads to the fact that pathogenic viruses and bacteria are destroyed.

The failure of the immune system sometimes (fortunately, this happens quite rarely!) Leads to the fact that the body begins to attack the hair follicles, considering them to be hostile inclusions. Naturally, if this attack cannot be stopped, the hair has no chance to survive. Therefore, the sooner the treatment is started, the higher the probability of saving at least the remnants of hair.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The most important thing is to consult a doctor in time. Most often, patients suffering from alopecia lose too much time trying to solve the problem of hair loss using folk remedies or using ampoule therapy.

In the case when autoimmune diseases become the cause of baldness, time plays against you. Therefore, if after the first full course of treatment with the use of any means of hair loss, it still continues - stop independent experiments and go to the experts!

Main features

Even earlier it is necessary to score an alarm if, against the background of active hair loss, two or more of the symptoms listed below can be traced simultaneously:

excessive sweating, even with minimal physical exertion or for no reason at all,
tachycardia or other regular heart rhythm disorders,
severe drops or frequent increases in blood pressure
fragility and delamination of nails, loss of shine and elasticity of hair,
indigestion, indigestion,
frequent breathlessness
systematic failures of the menstrual cycle or the complete absence of menstruation.

Most often, these symptoms indicate a significant disruption of the hormonal system, which regulates the consistency of the internal organs.

What is autoimmune alopecia?

The essence of the disease lies in the fact that the immune system begins to recognize foreign bodies in the hair follicles and tries to reject them. As a result, the cells of the bulbs are oppressed, the structure of the rods is damaged, the stage of hair growth is gradually replaced by the stage of rest, they crumble rapidly, and new hairs no longer grow. Over time, balding areas increase, and if you do not take action, it will result in complete hair loss.

The main causes leading to autoimmune alopecia are:

hereditary factor
living in areas with increased radioactivity,
problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland,
impaired exchange of retinoic acid in the body,
hormonal disruptions or long-term hormone therapy,
severe mechanical damage to the skin of the head.

In addition, it can be the result of a number of diseases, including diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, the trichologist alone does not have enough treatment - in parallel, it is imperative to contact a specialized specialist about the main disease.

Symptomatology

In addition to shedding hair, the body can signal the onset of alopecia with excessive sweating and shortness of breath, an increase in heart rate, and malfunctioning of the digestive system. Also, patients often observe mood swings for no apparent reason, women’s menstrual cycle is disrupted, their nails can become thinner and peel.

Confirm or dispel your doubts will only help the doctor. We recommend blood tests - biochemical and hormones, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, blood flow velocity and microscopic examination of the hair. It is also good to visit a cardiologist.

Treatment methods

Treatment varies depending on the degree of hair loss.

So, if alopecia is at the initial stage and less than half of hair is susceptible to it, specialists, starting from the cause of its occurrence, prescribe drugs to normalize hormonal levels, ointments or gels based on retinol, products with zinc or tar, taking vitamins of group B.

Minoxidil is recommended for almost everyone - a drug that dilates blood vessels, thereby increasing the flow of oxygen, blood and vital substances to the follicles.

Steroid hormones may also be prescribed in the form of a cream, ointment or pill (with an eye for age, diagnosis and other individual patient characteristics).

When autoimmune alopecia has already covered more than fifty percent of the hair, ointments and creams are ineffective. Here you need treatment with steroid hormones in pills or in ampoules for subcutaneous injections. In addition, PUVA therapy and exposure to baldness with allergens and irritants are practiced.

If alopecia is provoked by a malignant tumor, cytostatics, or immunosuppressants, are prescribed that block the autoimmune reaction. If it was caused by hormonal imbalance, women take birth control pills, and men - special drugs that inhibit the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

Anyway, the treatment lasts at least three months - until the doctor confirms the growth of new hair.

Auxiliary methods

If you want to speed up the healing process, make sure that the daily diet contains foods high in zinc and vitamins A and B. These are red meat, poultry, offal, shrimp and squid, fish, eggs, pumpkin, carrots, nuts.

With the consent of the doctor, you can add basic treatment with traditional recipes to stimulate hair growth.

For example, try wraps made of burdock or castor oil: warm it slightly in a water bath, apply to the scalp, put on a plastic bag or shower cap, warm with a towel and leave for half an hour. When time runs out, rinse hair with warm water and shampoo. You can also make masks based on the tincture of red pepper, which activates and accelerates hair growth.

Another effective way to return beautiful, thick hair - rub nicotinic acid into the scalp. The tool is used courses, each of which lasts for 14 procedures.

You can also practice masks of rye bread - cut off a piece of a crust, soak the crumb in milk and distribute the resulting gruel to balding areas. Hold for 20-30 minutes and rinse.

Symptoms of autoimmune alopecia

If found at least one of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with an endocrinologist as soon as possible.

severe sweating,
tachycardia,
mood swings
regular depressions (often without reason or because of frivolous little things),
weak nails
hair loss,
disruption of the gastrointestinal tract,
severe shortness of breath
slow or rapid heartbeat,
downed menstrual cycle.

Reasons for education

The body is predisposed to the disease genetically,
Caries and chronic diseases can cause thyroiditis,
Iodine oversupply
Radiation exposure,
Heavily polluted air
Period of strong stress.
Rheumatoid arthritis,
Diabetes,
Recently injured.

The disease can affect not only the hair of the head, but also all body hair generally. After a while, loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, etc. will become noticeable. If you do not immediately think about treatment, there is a risk of losing a quarter of all body hair. You can detect the presence of the disease by visiting an endocrinologist, who in turn:

will give direction to ultrasound, which will show whether the thyroid gland is normal,
ask to be tested for hormone testing,
notify on the extent and development of the disease,
will tell you the exact cause of the disease,
will send to the analysis of biochemistry,
will study the hair with a special microscope,
may send to a psychologist and trichologist.

We advise you to read:

Even identifying any of the symptoms, it is too early to decide that there is an autoimmune alopecia. Any of the symptoms may be caused by another ailment, so it is important to contact an endocrinologist for accurate information.

In establishing the disease, the endocrinologist will prescribe:

Electromagnetic resonance therapy,
Magnetic / laser therapy
Hormonal complex.

Traditional methods of treatment

Treatment at home does not hurt only if the doctor gives his permission.

It will take 25-35 unripe walnuts, a glass of honey, as well as 1 - 1.5 liters of vodka. Chopped walnut mix with the remaining ingredients. Leave to infuse for 2 weeks. Keep all this time the mixture must be in complete darkness. Then strain, and also send in the refrigerator for several hours. Drink one spoonful a day before breakfast for 15-20 minutes. The course of treatment is long. You must use at least three liters.
It is necessary to prepare a spoon of medunitsu (herbs), crushed cucumber, a spoon of crushed dried cabbage, as well as crushed red peppers. All of the above pour a glass of firewater (preferably boiled). Drink two sips about three times a day.

Folk treatment is not limited to these recipes; even beet juice, carrots or cabbage will be a good helper. It is recommended to drink at the same time when it is squeezed out, otherwise the juice will lose its beneficial substances.

In addition to the juice, even a cucumber will help, which in summer and in winter is practically in any home. It is not prohibited to eat at any time and can be used in any quantities. The product has no contraindications, no overdose, and even allergy to it is rare.

Is prevention possible?

UnfortunatelyThere are no specific means to prevent the disease, when it has not yet appeared. However, there are general recommendations, for example:

periodically wash the hair, using the means that feed the curls and roots.
wear hats at almost any time of the year,
try to prevent illness until they become chronic,
if possible, refrain from using alopecia pills,
periodically checked by trichologists in order to prevent and care for hair,
regularly contact beauticians, as well as hairdressers,
it will not be superfluous to sometimes communicate with a psychologist. This not only serves as prevention, but also helps to dwell less on problems and deal with what is already worrying.

Prevention from any disease, even from autoimmune hair loss, will be regular walks and thoughts only about good. The body will be grateful for the time allotted to it, as well as for timely sleep and moderately proper nutrition.

It is worth remembering that even if there is a predisposition to the disease at the genetic level, then with proper care, the risk of getting it is minimal. Medicine is fully capable of curing this ailment, and all that is required of people is only to turn to it more often!

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The role of immunity in the development of alopecia areata

At the beginning, a few words about female baldness - this form of alopecia, in which one or more “hairless” lesions appear more often on the head, less often on the rest of the body. Further, there are many options for the development of the disease:

Approximately in half a year, the total stage will begin with complete hair loss on the scalp, and then a universal form can start with the loss of all body hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic and axillary hair, a beard and mustache in men
"Bald" areas may spontaneously, without much treatment, overgrow
The number of foci will constantly change, then overgrow, then appear new.
One center or several can be a long time without changes and many other options.

An in-depth study of the cells and tissues of patients with focal alopecia was carried out as early as 1965 in order to identify common changes in the tissues and cells of the hair and skin in bare areas.

The following common signs were noticed.

In the dermis vasculitis develops - an inflammation of the blood vessels, with their further destruction. Vascular changes lead to the fact that the nutrition of the hair is disturbed, and the hair becomes weakened.
Perivasculitis also develops. – this is a lesion of the external part of the vessel and connective tissue, and lymphohistiocytic infiltrates were detected.

Such a picture reminded researchers of an organism's allergic reaction to any allergen, the question arises: what can the body consider to be allergens during the development of alopecia, it has been suggested that the body may consider hair proteins as allergens.

When hair proteins get into the blood or lymph the body begins to perceive them as an allergen and produce antibodies and antibodies attack the hair follicles and damage them.

But when studying the quantitative ratio of antibodies that the body produces, no antibodies were detected against the hair follicles.

However, when the method of fluorescent antibodies was used, an increased amount of antibodies to the thyroid gland and to the tissues of the testes were observed in patients.

In addition, an accumulation occurred in the vicinity of the hair follicles:

T and B lymphocytes
antibodies
macrophages
Langers cells
immune complexes IgG, IgM

Causes of autoimmune alopecia

The reason for the organism’s cellular aggression directed at its own hair cells remains a mystery until now, the following versions are put forward:

Defect immunoregulation, which occurs in childhood and is inherited. Genetics suggest that it is associated with the HLA gene, which is located on the sixth chromosome, it is responsible for protein coding. This protein with the help of immune cells helps to "calculate" antigens and the body's own cells, without it the immunity begins to confuse them. Mutations in this gene can lead to insufficient production of this protein.
Often, autoimmune alopecia begins after infectious diseases, and alopecia has been associated with atopic dermatitis and other skin dermatoses. This confirms the immune theory: the introduction of an infectious agent can provoke an immune response followed by autoimmune development. This also applies to chronic foci of infection (sinusitis, tonsillitis, caries), which can disrupt the calmness of the body's immune system and cause it to constantly produce antibodies.
Disorders in the endocrine system can also provoke the development of the disease, during the examination of alopecia can reveal autoimmune thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Various autoimmune diseases - systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Still's disease and others.
Stress factor affects the formation of autoimmune alopecia, but to explain the mechanism of its action at the moment is not possible.

Indicators of immunoglobulins in patients change, so this proves the involvement of autoimmune components in the development of baldness, but it is impossible to argue that they are the primary cause in the destruction of the hair apparatus.

But at the same time, all, without exception, patients with HA, immunological changes are present.

For proper diagnosis, you need to visit a dermatologist, trichologist, endocrinologist, immunologist.

Causes of pathology

With this type of alopecia, the root system of the scalp is depressed at the cellular level. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, perceiving them as alien elements. The hair structure is damaged, the process of formation of new follicles is disturbed.

The reasons provoking this pathological process are:

hormonal disorders (testosterone deficiency in men),
genetic predisposition
metabolic retinoic acid,
uncontrolled hormonal drugs,
mechanical violation of the integrity of the skin of the head.

Important! Women are more at risk of developing autoimmune alopecia. This is primarily due to hormonal disorders and the functioning of the thyroid gland. Quite often, this type of baldness develops in women in the postpartum period.

The immunity of men is less susceptible to autoimmune activity, because this type of baldness in men is less often diagnosed.

The main symptom of autoimmune alopecia is hair loss. The intensity of the process may be different. Alopecia develops in a diffuse type - hair does not fall out in sections, but evenly over the entire head.

Also exists a number of signs, the presence of which may indicate the development of autoimmune alopecia:

excessive sweating of the skin,
dyspnea,
thinning nail plates,
sudden causeless change of mood
tachycardia,
disorders of the digestive system,
failure of the menstrual cycle.

The disease can be diagnosed at an early stage based on the results of the following tests and examinations:

ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland,
blood chemistry,
blood test for hormones
microscopic examination of hair,
study of blood flow velocity.

If an autoimmune alopecia is suspected, consultation of the trichologist is necessary. It is he who records the number of living and dead hair follicles, and also gives a forecast for the restoration of hair.

It will be useful to examine the cardiologist, which determines the degree of heart damage. A psychologist will help smooth out a nervous strain and depression caused by sudden baldness.

Diseases - provocateurs of autoimmune alopecia

Partial or complete loss of hair can be provoked by the development of such diseases:

Basedow's disease - A pathological process in the body caused by severe disorders of the thyroid gland. The main symptoms of the disease are bulging, enlarged eyes, swollen eyelids, a constant feeling of anxiety and headache, impaired metabolic processes and the balance of hormones in the body. Excess thyroid hormones cause severe complications of the nervous system, heart and liver.
Rheumatoid arthritis - A disease of an autoimmune nature, in which the human immunity ceases to distinguish foreign microorganisms from its own cells. Getting under the aggressive influence of immunity, the joints become inflamed and gradually collapse. The first signs of this pathological process are: severe pain arising from movement, a feeling of stiffness, swelling and reddening of the joint. Severe effects of rheumatoid arthritis - diseases of the heart and respiratory system, muscle atrophy, deformation of the nails, thinning of the skin.
Diabetes - A disease of the endocrine system, triggered by a lack of the hormone insulin. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by metabolic disorders in the body, vascular lesion of the circulatory system. The patient suffers from constant thirst, excessive dryness of the skin, cramps. Insufficient attention to the treatment of this disease can cause severe lesions of the retina, veins, and peripheral nerves.
lupus erythematosus - An autoimmune disease caused by a disorder of the immune system, in which the DNA of healthy cells is affected at the molecular level. A characteristic symptom of the disease is the numerous reddening and rashes of the skin, which, merging together, form the shape of a butterfly. Lupus erythematosus affects the heart and vascular system, kidney tissue.

Attention! It is impossible to eliminate the problem of autoimmune alopecia, if the underlying disease is not cured. Only under the condition of timely diagnosis and quality treatment can the rate of hair loss be slowed down.

Lost up to 50% hairline

In this case, the treatment of autoimmune alopecia involves the following medications:

Corticosteroids. Form release ointment or cream. The most popular remedy is Ftorokort ointment, an anti-inflammatory, antiallergic drug. It is used in diseases of the skin that are sensitive to treatment with glucciotoxteroids. The risks of side effects are minimal. The drug should not be applied to damaged skin. The average price is 200 rubles.

Minoxidil - alcohol solution of 2% and 5% concentration. The drug provides a vasodilating effect and the normalization of blood microcirculation in the skin of the head. Hair follicles are saturated with oxygen and nutrients, thereby activating the hair growth phase. For ease of application, the bottle is equipped with a pipette, with which it is very easy to apply an alcohol solution to damaged skin. Features of application: the solution from the scalp does not need to be washed off. Contraindications to the use of skin damage (burn, cut), the period of pregnancy and lactation, the patient's age to eighteen years of age, infectious lesions of the skin. The average cost of one bottle of Minoxidil is 1000 rubles.

Zinc ointment It has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect, helps to normalize metabolic processes. The minimum number of side effects and contraindications to use makes zinc ointment indispensable in the treatment of many skin diseases. The average cost is 30 rubles.

Vitamins of group B. Especially popular is the B-Complex. In addition to the basic B vitamins, it contains brown algae, wheat bran, and acerola berries. The average cost of the drug is 1300 rubles.

More than 50% hair loss

Treatment involves the appointment of the following drugs:

Corticosteroids. Form release pills or injections. The most common, effective drug is Prednisone. This is a synthetic analogue of the adrenal hormones. The drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic, anti-allergic effect. The development of side effects is possible only with the uncontrolled intake of Prednisolone. Contraindications to the use of high blood pressure, kidney disease, tuberculosis, diseases of the digestive system. The average cost of the drug is 110 rubles.

Cytostatics. Prescribed in a situation where the process of baldness triggered by a cancer. The most common drug is Cyclosporin A. It has an immunosuppressive effect - it inhibits the formation of blood cells involved in the formation of antibodies. It is contraindicated for use in case of individual intolerance to any component of the drug, in the period of carrying a child, in the presence of an acute eye infection. The average cost of the drug in retail pharmacies is 700 rubles.

Caution! Cyclosporin A is not taken during the vaccination period with live attenuated vaccines.

Recipes of traditional medicine

Alternative medicine proposes to eliminate autoimmune alopecia in the following ways:

Ruby or castor oil is rubbed into the scalp with a soft sponge. The procedure is carried out for half an hour. Then the head is wrapped with a towel to create a thermal effect.
Applying tincture of chilli pepper activates hair growth. Prepare the tincture easily. For this, one paprika is poured with a liter of vodka and allowed to stand for several days in a dark place,
Mask of black bread soaked in milk. Bread is soaked and applied to the bald spot. The mask is kept for thirty minutes.

Autoimmune alopecia is a disease whose successful treatment is determined by several factors: timely access to a doctor, well-chosen treatment, an integrated approach to the process of eliminating the problem.

Methods of traditional medicine

Methods of traditional medicine are used in the treatment of alopecia, as irritating agents that stimulate hair growth in areas of baldness. In the affected areas it is recommended to rub the tincture of red pepper, badyagu, juice of garlic, onion or horseradish.

Traditional medicine is effective only in the stationary stage of focal alopecia in the absence of associated lesions of the scalp.

Clinical guidelines

An important role for the success of treatment is a psychological factor. The patient should be emotionally prepared for the fact that a positive result of therapy will occur no earlier than three months, and cosmetic hair restoration can occur within a year.

Bruise cosmetic defects will help chignons, wigs, false hair, the correct selection of hairstyles with the creation of volume in the center of baldness (if there are small bald spots).

To enhance hair growth and improve overall condition, you need to take multivitamin complexes.

Unfortunately, special preventive measures for alopecia areata do not exist.

Causes of hair loss

Partial hair loss can be the result of severe stress or psycho-emotional instability. But at the same time there should be other causes of focal alopecia, namely:

gene factor - weak follicles with heightened sensitivity to external stimuli are often inherited,
autoimmune diseases - in this case, its own immune defense begins to “treat” hair follicles as pathological cells, and destroys them,
endocrine disorders - hair loss is observed with diabetes mellitus and the growth of male sex hormones in the female body,
vegetative disturbances - in this case the nutrition of the tissues deteriorates, the hair follicles do not receive the necessary substances and weaken,
drug treatment - hair loss occurs when taking cytostatics, certain types of antibiotics and hormones.

Causes of alopecia areata are rooted in poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency, exacerbation of chronic diseases. Alopecia is observed in lupus erythematosus, congenital skin aplasia, and gastrointestinal diseases. Alopecia can also be called an indirect sign of oncology. But more often the hair falls out with the start of therapy. Hair loss cannot be considered harmless. That is why it is important to consult a doctor in time for a diagnosis.

Variety of focal alopecia

Nesting baldness looks almost always the same, but experts identify several forms of the disease:

local - single formations of round size are located on different parts of the head and do not merge with each other,
subtotal and total - refer to malignant forms and are accompanied by facial hair loss. The primary lesions rapidly spread, and the head completely bald,
pseudosyphilitic - tiny bald spots randomly arranged on the head, sometimes merging,
shearers - hair does not completely disappear, and break off at a height of 10 mm. This form must be differentiated from fungal alopecia,
universal - implies loss of hair all over the body,
ribbon-like - more common in children. Places of bald spots have a curved shape and are localized from the occiput to the temples.

Clinical manifestations

Alopecia areata has a characteristic symptom - the hair falls out unevenly, the skin maintains integrity, the lesions have a clear form. In the acute stage there is a slight itch with elements of redness, the hair becomes thinner and then disappears.

Inflammation in the area of the bald patch is absent. The skin looks completely healthy and does not differ to the touch.

With a long course of the disease dystrophic processes cover the nail plate. Interestingly, in half of the cases, hair growth is restored without therapy. Alopecia areata is rarely irreversible, but malignant forms of the disease are practically not treated.

In men, the disease develops more actively. The bald spots merge with time. The period of hair loss usually takes about 6 months. Then comes the stationary stage at which the hair does not fall out, but new ones do not grow.The length of this period depends on how quickly the hair will be restored and whether it will grow at all.

Diagnosis of the disease

Treatment of alopecia areata requires identifying the cause of the disease. The patient is assigned general tests, microscopic examination of the scalp and hair is performed. It is necessary to determine the level of male sex hormones. In case of pathologies on the part of the immune system, the help of an allergist-immunologist will be required. Hair loss after severe stress involves visiting a neurologist and a psychologist.

Is it possible to treat focal alopecia in men?

The trichologist prescribes biopsy of the scalp, trichogram, trichoscopy. Additionally, it is recommended to make an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. If you suspect a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract are assigned to stool tests, gastric sensing.

Primary therapy

Nestal alopecia is successfully treated by medication, but you need to know the causes of hair loss. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the provoking factors and restoring the activity of the follicles. In autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressants may be recommended. These are quite aggressive drugs that cannot be used without a doctor's prescription.

If the hair falls out due to beriberi or weakening of the body, then it is advisable to take immunostimulants. Recommended complex vitamins, natural biostimulants, correction of nutrition. In the presence of skin diseases, zinc-containing agents are recommended.

Minoxidil is often used to restore hair growth. It works with androgenic alopecia. If baldness has a different nature, then the drug will be ineffective. And in childhood the use of drugs based on Minoxidil is prohibited.

In neurological pathologies, amino acid metabolites are indicated. Nest baldness due to stress is successfully treated with tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants. One of the common drugs in the treatment of alopecia are glucocorticosteroids. With their help, it is possible to restore hair growth in 2-4 months. They demonstrate efficiency in 70-75% of cases.

Among the drugs recommended for baldness:

"Anthralin" - restores the activity of hair follicles, but has an impressive list of side effects. Helps with small spots of baldness,
"Cyclosporin A" - reduces the activity of immunocompetent cells, resumes hair growth, requires prolonged use. The disadvantage of the drug is that after completion of treatment, repeated baldness is not excluded,
"Diprospan" - a drug for invasive treatment, which is designed for a 10-day course. One of the side effects of treatment is transient atrophy of the skin.

Outwardly prescribed creams and ointments that stimulate blood circulation and suppress the causes of hair loss. It is advisable to use 2% cream of acetonide fluocinolone, 0.05% cream of betamethasone dipropionate and 0.05% ointment of clobetasol propionate.

Alopecia areata is successfully treated with mesotherapy. Cocktail is made individually. Recommended vasodilators, antiandrogens, eutrophics of various origins. You can see the results of treatment after 5-7 sessions. Mesotherapy not only helps to cope with baldness, but also has a positive effect on the scalp, restores capillary blood circulation, relieves vascular spasms. The therapeutic effect lasts for some time after the session, which is why it is not recommended to wash your hair a day after the treatment session.

Physiotherapy with alopecia

When alopecia physiotherapy has a special role. They help restore the activity of hair follicles, prevent re-baldness, increase local immunity. How to treat focal alopecia effectively, prompted in the physiotherapy room. Most often they offer a set of activities in a certain sequence.

In case of focal alopecia, the following physiotherapy methods will benefit:

electrophoresis - involves the introduction of a drug with a simultaneous supply of current. The treatment consists of 10 procedures, usually injected nicotinic acid or magnesium B6,
microcurrent therapy - under the influence of low-frequency impulses, capillary blood circulation improves, the power of the bulbs increases, hair loss is inhibited. The method helps to improve the hair structure and prevent scalp inflammation,
galvanization - characterized by warming properties, improves blood circulation, stimulates cell metabolism,
phonophoresis - implies deep saturation of skin cells with oxygen. As a result, blood circulation increases, tissue regeneration processes are accelerated, the activity of hair follicles increases,
UFD - usually used for the treatment of individual bald spots. It has a photosensitizing effect, improves the vascular trophism of hair follicles,
laser therapy - prevents the appearance of gray hair, restores the hair structure, enhances the growth and amount of hair,
darsonvalization is the most common treatment. Darsonval for home use allows you to carry out procedures without the help of a doctor. This method of treatment helps to improve the susceptibility of cells to nutrients, strengthens hair follicles, makes hair stronger.

Treatment of focal alopecia in women

With intensive hair loss physiotherapy will be ineffective. It should be considered as an auxiliary treatment method. If the main factor in the development of alopecia is not eliminated, then it will be really difficult to stop hair loss. If we talk about the merits of physiotherapy, then this is safety, the minimum list of contraindications and compatibility with other methods of treatment.

Folk recipes for focal balding

The tar soap is a positive effect on the scalp condition. It is used for various types of alopecia, as well as for the prevention of hair loss. Treatment of focal alopecia with the help of traditional medicine methods includes:

rinsing hair with a decoction of nettle and burdock root - the ingredients are taken in equal proportions, two tablespoons of the mixture should be 500 ml of boiling water, kept on the fire for another 10 minutes, cool, filter and rinse clean hair,
Treatment of bald areas with aloe juice - for this purpose, a cotton swab moistened with juice is taken, which is applied to the affected areas. The procedure is repeated daily for a month. After a short break, the treatment can be repeated.
rinsing decoction of limes, nettles, horsetail and hops - all the ingredients, taken in equal proportions, mix thoroughly, brew the spoonful of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, infuse and use for washing clean hair,
a weekly mask of eggs and olive oil - take one tablespoon of oil for one yolk, mix thoroughly and rub into the scalp. It is not necessary to cover the hair with a film, after half an hour after application, the composition is thoroughly washed off,
Massage with ginger tincture - for the preparation of a therapeutic agent they take a little more than half of the crushed ginger root and a glass of vodka, insist 2 weeks, periodically shaking. Moisten the scalp tincture of ginger and actively rubbed with fingertips in the skin. This procedure increases blood circulation and awakens dormant follicles.

Male and female hormones

Hair loss caused by dysfunction of the endocrine glands is called alopecia. This phenomenon is quite common, and one of its unpleasant features is the suddenness of manifestation: alopecia can begin at almost any age.

Note!
Naturally, there are certain risk groups.
They include, for example, women during menopause, as well as the elderly, whose internal secretion disorder may develop against the background of a general weakening of the body.

To understand the processes that occur in the body with such baldness, you need to understand the mechanism of endocrine adjustment:

Hair growth on the head and body is determined by a complex of hormones, but the main role is played by sex hormones (male and female), as well as pancreatic secretion products.
Estrogens (female hormones) stimulate the growth and active development of hair follicles on the head, and at the same time inhibit the same processes throughout the body.
In male androgens (the most important of which is testosterone), the mechanism of action is exactly the opposite: the greater the concentration of these substances in the blood, the higher the probability of getting baldness with abundant vegetation on the back, chest and limbs.

Female Focal Alopecia

Normally, in both men and women, the estrogen / androgen ratio is in balance. But as soon as hormonal dysfunction develops, the hair immediately begins to fall out.

Note!
Androgenic alopecia can be an indicator of more serious problems.
So, physicians are closely watching whether hair falls out during cancer: if the thinning of the covering is noted, then there is a risk of damage to the sex glands.

It is also worth noting that women are leading in terms of the frequency of manifestations of androgenic alopecia. For men, this process usually takes place less noticeably, and they turn to specialists only when the hair falls out at an early age.

Photo of male baldness caused by androgens

Alopecia in other diseases

However, an androgen / estrogen imbalance is not the only reason for the thinning of hair:

Problems with the thyroid gland can cause hair loss: both hypothyroidism (insufficiently active organ function) and hyperthyroidism are accompanied by this symptom.

Thyroid problems are often reflected in the condition of the hair shafts.

A pathological condition can be caused by disorders in the digestive system: both the liver and the gallbladder play an important role in supplying the hair follicles with nutrients and protecting against toxins.
Neurosis and mental illness - another extensive field for hair problems. And although the flow of processes in our brain only indirectly affects the development of hair follicles, any instruction strongly recommends that you pay attention to your nervous system.
As we noted above, in cancer, hair falls out in almost any situation: “tumors” for the death of the rods can also be the tumors themselves, affecting the internal secretion organs, and therapeutic procedures (radiation, chemotherapy, etc.)

Does hair fall out after radiation therapy or chemotherapy? Yes, but it is almost inevitable payment for the opportunity to get rid of cancer.

Finally, hormonal problems are aggravated against the background of a general weakening of the body, because hair loss after a stroke or as a result of a long illness is very common.

Note!
The question of whether hair falls out with HIV is somewhat controversial.
Today, experts agree that the cause of baldness in this case is not the virus itself, but changes in the hormonal background and metabolism caused by the transition of HIV to AIDS.
This is indirectly confirmed by the fact that virus carriers rarely have such problems.

Survey

To find out exactly the reasons for the development of autoimmune alopecia, one will have to undergo an examination, which most often begins with blood tests (general and for hormones) and ultrasound of the thyroid gland to exclude autoimmune thyroiditis - the most dangerous of all types of diseases that lead to baldness.

It is likely that a consultation of the trichologist will be needed, which will establish the number of dead, living and dormant hair follicles and make predictions about the possible restoration of hair.

A cardiologist will determine if a heart is affected. A psychologist will learn to cope with stress, including caused by sudden hair loss.

The main reasons that trigger autoimmune thyroiditis, doctors believe:

genetic predisposition - alas, this disease is inherited,
chronic infectious diseases of the mouth and nasopharynx: antritis, caries, purulent sinusitis,
hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, often caused by an excess of iodine,
negative environmental effects, including radiation exposure,
strong or prolonged stress, leading to hormonal disorders.

Even properly prescribed and carried out treatment is not always able to completely defeat this disease.

Provocateurs disease

But baldness can be provoked not only by thyroiditis. There are several other diseases that also lead to partial or complete hair loss:

Basedow's disease. It usually develops in women of middle and older age and is also associated with a disruption of the thyroid gland. Its characteristic feature is a progressive bug eye.
Rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is provoked by an infection in the body, but sometimes it also has an autoimmune nature. At the same time, joints are affected and gradually destroyed, which regularly become inflamed and swollen.
Diabetes mellitus (type 1). In this case, the pancreas that produces insulin is under attack by its own immunity.
Lupus erythematosus. Systemic disease, the mechanism of occurrence of which is also not studied. The rash spreads through the body, and the disease affects all internal organs: heart, liver, lungs.

Naturally, it is impossible to completely eliminate the problem without curing the underlying disease. Sometimes the maximum that can be done is to significantly slow down the rate of total baldness. But to save the hair is not always obtained ...

Treatment options

As you can see, in this case, it will not be possible to manage only with folk methods and even ultra-modern anti-hair loss drugs. But they, too, should not be discounted - in war, all means are good. They will give excellent results as part of a comprehensive treatment and will accelerate the growth of new hairs, if at all possible.

In the treatment of autoimmune diseases, professionalism of the doctor and a comprehensive individual approach to treatment are especially important.

With focal alopecia, when the hair falls out in clearly defined areas, the probability of its stopping and full restoration of hair is higher than with total baldness. But you can not give up anyway!

Drug therapy

According to the results of the examination, the doctor will definitely prescribe a course of drug therapy. Most likely, it will include:

corticosteroids in the form of ointments or subcutaneous injections for the relief of active inflammatory processes,
retinols - drugs that restore the skin of the head,
Minoxidil is an effective remedy for hair loss,
cytostatics - drugs that reduce the activity of the immune system,
zinc - to strengthen and grow new hair,
irritants of local action - to awaken the “sleeping” hair follicles and activate blood circulation in the scalp,
Multivitamin complexes (with a high content of B group) - an activator of new hair growth.

It may also be recommended tar ointment, decoctions and tinctures of herbs, homemade hair masks with natural plant and / or essential oils.

Cosmetic procedures

Properly chosen cosmetic procedures will also be good helpers in the fight against baldness. Today, in order to treat various types of alopecia, apply:

head massage,
mesotherapy,
laser treatment
microcurrent stimulation
ultraviolet irradiation.

The standard course of treatment is 10-15 procedures performed after 2-3 times a week.

With such an integrated approach and timely treatment, there is a high probability that hair loss will completely stop. This is confirmed by the reviews of numerous patients.

Features of the disease

Autoimmune (focal, nesting) alopecia is one of the signs of pathologies of the immune system.

With focal alopecia, the root system of the hair is inhibited at the cellular level. This is due to the violation of the protective reactions of the body. The immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues, taking them for foreign objects. In this case, killer cells damage and destroy the hair structure, struggling with the formation of new follicles.

Autoimmune alopecia is diagnosed in 0.5-2.5% of people suffering from baldness. In other cases, the origin of the disease is associated with other disorders.

What causes hair loss during autoimmune alopecia?

Hormonal disorders. Men have baldness, mainly due to a lack of testosterone. Hair loss in women often occurs due to dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Alopecia is accompanied by diseases: lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, Basedow's disease.
Genetic predisposition. It is believed that the activation of certain genes that carry immunological compatibility, leads to the formation of specific proteins. These proteins trigger a mechanism that "deceives" the immune system, causes the body to destroy its own tissues. The activation of specific proteins is caused by unfavorable factors: stress, viral infections, vaccines, long-term antibiotic treatment.
Metabolic defects endogenous retinoids (chemical forms of vitamin A). An excess or lack of retinoic acid causes hair loss and inflammatory processes in the follicles. Disruption of the metabolism of retinoic acid is accompanied by a decrease in sebum, which suppresses local immunity.
Bad ecology. Radioactive zones are a particular hazard to hair.
Uncontrolled taking hormonal drugs.
Physical injury. The upper layer of the epidermis is damaged, which causes the death of the roots.

The center of baldness can be single with rounded outlines or consist of several bald spots that merge together. In the last stage of alopecia, alopecia is observed on the entire surface of the body. This is due to the systemic development of the autoimmune process.

Sometimes all the scalp is involved in the pathological process. It does not stand out any areas of thinning.

Autoimmune diseases are systemic. If a person has problems with immunity, pathologies will manifest throughout life. Damage to the hair follicles is sometimes accompanied by the destruction of the nail plates.

Diagnostics

When hair falls out for no apparent reason, turn to the therapist. After evaluating the results of the first studies, the therapist sends to narrow specialists:

endocrinologist,
dermatologist
an immunologist,
to the psychologist
rheumatologist,
trichologist.

Hair thinning may be accompanied by chronic fatigue and weakness, which indicates problems in the endocrine system. Diagnosis of baldness is carried out in several stages.

Visual examination of the endocrinologist.
General blood analysis.
Hormone testing.
Examination of hair under the microscope.
Rheoencephalography - a study of cerebral vessels using a weak high-frequency electric current. The method allows to determine the speed of blood circulation.

In areas of baldness can grow back hair without treatment. This happens when the body itself has coped with the cause of the pathology. Hair follicles most often don't die completely and go into a state of rest. But self-healing rarely happens.

Medication treatment

The treatment regimen is selected based on the cause of alopecia, the type of the disease with which it is caused.

If lost less than 50% of hair or areas of baldness are small, use the following drugs.

Stimulating drugs production of own hormones.
Steroid hormones. Preparations are available in the form of tablets, ointments, creams, ampoules for intradermal administration. The form of release is prescribed depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, age and state of health.
Retinol-based drugs (vitamin A). Most often used ointment or gel for application to the center of baldness.
Zinc containing products for internal use.
Ointment with the addition of tar.
Vitamins of group B.
Minoxidil - a means of expanding blood vessels. The use of the drug leads to an increase in the supply of oxygen, blood and nutrients to the follicles.

When running alopecia when lost more than 50% hair apply another treatment regimen.

Steroid hormones. Ointments in this case are ineffective, prescribe pills or a course of injections into the scalp.
Impact on the focus of baldness allergens and irritants.
Cytostatics. The drug is prescribed if the cause of baldness is a malignant tumor. Cytostatics block the autoimmune reaction.

When hair loss is associated with hormonal changes in the body of women, birth control pills are prescribed. For men, suitable agents that inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase.

Steroid hormones help not everyone, their effect is unstable. None of the funds does not guarantee the complete cure of autoimmune alopecia. Oils and shampoos have a cosmetic effect. With the help of these tools will not work to eliminate the cause of the disease.

Special treatment for alopecia areata - Mival Concentrated. This is a non-hormonal remedy. At the heart of Mival-K is a silicone compound synthesized into the active substance 1-Chloromethylsilatrane. Mival protects the root system of hair from inhibition of killer lymphocytes, reduces the rate of immunological reactions.

The drug is produced in ampoules. They are attached moisturizing gel. The components are mixed before applying to the problem areas. Mival is taken in combination with other drugs and vitamins. The frequency and duration of the use of funds depends on the degree of baldness.

Treatment of folk remedies

Alternative medicine offers to get rid of autoimmune alopecia by folk methods.

Rubbing oils into the scalp with a soft brush or sponge. For the procedure, choose burdock or castor oil. Rub oil need within 30 minutes. After that, wrap your head with a towel to create a thermal effect.
Impact on pockets of alopecia tincture of chilli pepper. The finished composition is sold in a pharmacy. Tincture can be prepared at home. To do this, paprika pour a liter of vodka. A week later, the composition is ready for application.
Milk mask with black bread. Black bread is soaked with milk and applied to a bald patch. Mask hold for about an hour.

Without drug exposure to the cause of the disease The problem does not solve. Therefore, folk recipes are used as an addition to the main treatment.

Methods for preventing disease do not exist, because autoimmune alopecia is associated with changes at the genetic level.

Treatment of autoimmune alopecia

Treatment for autoimnous alopecia is prescribed, as in the nesting form:

Assign injections Diprospana - a hormonal drug that has an immunosuppressive effect. Hormonal injections can be prescribed directly to the hair roots.
Stimulant growth minoskidil and its various options.
The drug tricoxene, which contains dwarf palm extract and vitamins.
B vitamins and trace elements containing zinc, magnesium, selenium.
Mesotherapy - mezokokteyl injection into the hair roots
Immunotropic drugs: Cycloparin A (Sandimmun), inosiplex, etc. It is assumed that they act on immune cells and suppress functional disorders.
Timuskin (ThymuSkin) - creators of this drug adhered to the theory that the immune system fights with hair follicles, taking them for a virus. They developed a series of outdoor products - shampoo, spray, cream, which include thymosin. Thymosin is a hormone that is obtained from the thymus gland of animals. It affects the human immunological status, it is used in many autoimmune diseases. Shampoo is recommended to apply 2 times a week, spray or cream should be rubbed into the hair roots every day. Thymosin is thought to be neutralized by antibodies attacking the hair follicles.

All medicines should be prescribed by a doctor, you can independently resort to folk remedies, masks based on aloe, vegetable oils, red pepper.

The prognosis in the treatment is very difficult to do; the total and universal form of alopecia has the worst results.

A consolation for patients is that when alopecia of autoimmune hair follicles do not die, they simply “fall asleep” and can wake up with the onset of proper functioning of the body's defenses.

Now the diagnosis of alopecia areata automatically implies autoimmune alopecia.