![]() ![]() Immune system genes outside the HLA complex, such as several genes involved in inflammation, have also been associated with alopecia areata. Certain variations in HLA genes likely contribute to the inappropriate immune response targeting hair follicles that leads to alopecia areata. Each HLA gene has many different variations, allowing each person's immune system to react to a wide range of foreign proteins. The HLA complex helps the immune system distinguish the body's own proteins from proteins made by foreign invaders. These include several genes belonging to a gene family called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex. Many of the genes that have been associated with alopecia areata participate in the body's immune response. However, the condition does not permanently damage the follicles, which is why hair may later regrow. For reasons that are unclear, in alopecia areata the immune system targets hair follicles, stopping hair growth. In autoimmune disorders, the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own tissues instead. Normally, the immune system protects the body from foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, by recognizing and attacking these invaders and clearing them from the body. A combination of factors likely underlies the disorder, including changes in many genes that function in the hair and skin and in the immune system.Īlopecia areata is one of a large group of immune system diseases classified as autoimmune disorders. The causes of alopecia areata are complex and not well understood. In some people, the condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and other emotional or psychological issues. However, it causes changes in a person's appearance that can profoundly affect quality of life and self-esteem. The hair loss associated with alopecia areata is not painful or disabling. In addition to hair loss, some affected individuals have fingernail and toenail abnormalities, such as pits on the surface of the nails. In some cases, unpredictable cycles of hair loss followed by regrowth can last for years. The hair usually grows back after several months, although it may fall out again. Other rare forms of alopecia areata, which have different patterns of hair loss, have also been reported.Īlopecia areata affects people of all ages, although it most commonly appears in adolescence or early adulthood. Uncommonly, the hair loss involves the entire scalp (in which case the condition is known as alopecia totalis) or the whole body (alopecia universalis). This patchy hair loss occurs most often on the scalp but can affect other parts of the body as well. In most people with alopecia areata, hair falls out in small, round patches, leaving coin-sized areas of bare skin. "Alopecia" is a Latin term that means baldness, and "areata" refers to the patchy nature of the hair loss that is typically seen with this condition. Alopecia areata is a common disorder that causes hair loss.
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