Wondering why you are experiencing extensive hair loss? If yes, then it could be penukorukudu (alopecia areata). It is a medical disorder in which hair usually falls in small patches, making visible round bald areas on the head.
Research indicates that the penukorukudu (alopecia areata) affects approximately 147 million people globally but the exact cause behind the development of this disorder is not known. Scientists believe that it is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your healthy hair follicles and damages them, causing hair loss.
It is most commonly observed in children but it can occur at any age. It can cause hair loss from any part of the body, but it commonly affects the head, scalp, and face. It is not a life-threatening disease, but it can be a highly traumatic experience.
Read on to learn 5 essential things you need to know about penukorukudu (alopecia areata), including its major symptoms, types, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
People with penukorukudu(alopecia areata)are healthy but they may experience some type of sudden hair loss. The extent and duration of hair loss may vary from person to person. In some cases, it may last for a few weeks and in other cases, it may last for many years.
The most common signs and symptoms which may help recognize penukorukudu (alopecia areata) are:
- Hair fall in round clumps, which are about the size of the coin
- Bald patches on the head, scalp, beard area of the face, and other body parts
- Itching, burning, and tingling sensation on the head
- Short broken hairs which are narrow at their base
- Inflammation around hair follicles
- Partial or complete loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
- Abnormalities in toe and fingernails
Types of Penukorukudu (Alopecia areata)
Alopecia areata can be categorized into various types depending on the extent of hair loss. The major types are:
- Penukorukudu (Alopecia areata) totalis- Complete hair loss from head
- Penukorukudu (Alopecia areata) universalis- Complete hair loss over the entire body and face
- Patchy penukorukudu (Alopecia areata)– Few small patches of hair loss
- Diffuse penukorukudu (Alopecia areata)– Sudden thinning of hair
- Penukorukudu (Alopecia areata) incognita- Hair loss with miniature regrowing hair
Risk factors
The onset and duration of alopecia areata are unpredictable, but certain risk factors may influence the development of this condition. These risk factors are:
- Emotional stress and trauma
- Family history of penukorukudu(alopecia areata)
- Young age
- Other autoimmune disorders such as thyroid, vitiligo, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Medications
- Hormonal disturbances
- Severe illness and injury
- Micronutrient deficiency
Diagnosis of Penukorukudu (Alopecia areata)
Penukorukudu(alopecia areata)symptoms may resemble other hair loss conditions, therefore it needs to be properly diagnosed and treated. To examine this condition, your dermatologist will observe the pattern of your hair loss and offer some tests such as trichoscopy (microscopic examination of head and scalp), scalp biopsy (analyzing a small piece of skin from the scalp), and blood tests to determine the risk of other autoimmune conditions.
Treatment of Penukorukudu (Alopecia areata)
The recovery and treatment of penukorukudu(alopecia areata)depend on the age and extent of hair loss. Some patients may regrow hair within a short period with some dietary modifications and following a healthy hair routine whereas other patients may need proper treatment with medications.
Various medications which are offered to patients of penukorukudu (alopecia areata) are:
- Corticosteroid (in form of pill, cream, and injection) for small patchy hair loss
- Minoxidil solution effective for hair thinning and pattern baldness
- Topical immunotherapy for patients with complete hair loss from the head and other body parts
- Immunosuppressant to suppress immune system reaction
- Laser and phototherapy for hair regrowth
- Cosmetic strategies such as wigs and hairpieces for covering hair loss
Conclusion
To sum up, penukorukudu(alopecia areata)is a common hair fall condition that may significantly affect the quality of life of patients. It may cause trauma and stress but patients must understand that it is not a permanent condition and can be treated. So, it is important to see a certified dermatologist who can properly diagnose your condition and offer possible treatments.
While following the treatment plan, a patient should also be aware of this condition and must follow some self-care tips which may help in hair regrowth. Living a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga, including vitamin and micronutrient-rich foods in your diet, and protecting hair from damage will surely help to cope with this condition.