Alopecia Areata: Causes, Treatments, Costs
Alopecia Areata refers to a form of inflammatory hair loss. The causes are largely unknown, although many people are affected by this particular form of hair loss. With alopecia areata, the hair falls out in a circular shape and the areas continue to spread from the center of the bald patch. As a rule, not a single hair remains in the bald patches. Find out all about the causes, effective treatments and what you should avoid in this guide.
Most Important Findings 
| Diagnosis | Incorrect reaction of the immune system |
| Treatments | Topical immunotherapy etc. |
| Costs | 500 - 1,000 EUR |
Causes and symptoms of alopecia areata
Exactly why alopecia areata occurs is largely unexplored. Experts assume that the disease is caused by an incorrect reaction of the immune system. The immune system fights its own hair instead of viruses and bacteria, which in turn leads to inflammation at the root of the hair. The inflammation disrupts hair growth and eventually the hair falls out. Alopecia Areata is therefore an autoimmune disease and often occurs in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases such as white spot disease or thyroid disorders. Children and young adults are particularly frequently affected. A study in the USA also found that girls are affected more frequently than boys. A hereditary predisposition is currently being researched, as there are known cases of families in which the disease occurs more frequently.
The symptoms of alopecia are round, hairless patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. Short, broken hairs usually remain at the edge of the patch, which become thinner towards the hair root. In most cases, the hair grows back on its own within a year, but the disease can return. In severe cases, however, the bald patches can grow together and lead to complete hair loss on the head (alopecia areata totalis) or even the whole body (alopecia areata universalis). This severe form of alopecia areata is often persistent. However, there are some treatment methods to stop hair loss at an early stage, which we would like to introduce to you here.
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Finasteride and Minoxidil
According to Stiftung Warentest, finasteride and minoxidil are two active ingredients that have a limited effect against hair loss.
Finasteride is only available on prescription and is actually used to treat prostate hyperplasia. The drug should also not be used in pregnant women or women who wish to have children, as it can damage the reproductive organs of male foetuses. Finasteride can prevent the death of dihydrotestosterone-sensitive hair follicles and thus stop hair loss. The prerequisite is that the hair follicles have not yet died. Treatment with finasteride is therefore only recommended in the early stages of circular hair loss.
The active ingredient minoxidil is applied externally and there are different products with different concentrations for men and women. For men there is a foam and a 5% solution, while a 2% solution is used for women. Minoxidil is an antihypertensive, but how the drug promotes hair growth is still unknown. Studies from the 1980s found that 50% of those treated showed visible improvements. The application is somewhat complicated, as the treated areas must be covered airtight overnight. In women, higher doses may result in more facial hair, which should also be considered.
Finasteride and minoxidil have in common that the active ingredients only work against circular hair loss as long as they are used. If the active ingredient is discontinued, the hair loss usually continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alopecia Areata?
What is the cause of Alopecia Areata?
How is Alopecia Areata treated?
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