Q. What is alopecia, and what are its different types?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Alopecia refers to hair loss or baldness. It is a broad term that encompasses various types of hair loss conditions. Here are some of the different types of alopecia:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness): This is the most common type of alopecia and is often hereditary. In men, it typically results in a receding hairline and balding at the crown. In women, it often leads to diffuse hair thinning.
2. Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. It can cause hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.
3. Alopecia Totalis: A more severe form of alopecia areata, this condition results in the loss of all scalp hair.
4. Alopecia Universalis: This is the most severe form of alopecia areata and leads to the loss of all body hair, including scalp, facial, and body hair.
5. Traction Alopecia: This type of hair loss is caused by constant pulling and tension on the hair, often due to tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or hair extensions.
6. Scarring Alopecia: Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, results from inflammation and scarring of the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss. There are various subtypes of scarring alopecia, such as lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
7. Telogen Effluvium: This is a form of temporary hair loss that occurs due to significant physical or emotional stress, illness, or hormonal changes. It causes more hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase and results in diffuse hair shedding.
8. Anagen Effluvium: Often caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, this type of hair loss affects hair that is in the active growth (anagen) phase.
9. Trichotillomania: This is a psychological disorder in which individuals compulsively pull out their own hair, leading to hair loss. It is often related to stress or anxiety.
10. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: This is a type of scarring alopecia that specifically affects the front of the scalp, including the hairline.
11. Alopecia Barbae: Similar to alopecia areata but affecting the beard area, causing hair loss in circular patches.
12. Ophiasis Alopecia: A subtype of alopecia areata where hair loss occurs in a wave-like pattern around the edges of the scalp.
These are some of the most common types of alopecia. It's important to note that the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can vary significantly between these types of hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect you may have a specific type of alopecia, it's essential to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.