Alopecia Research Paper
Alopecia is an Autoimmune Disease, also known as hair loss disease. Alopecia is several diseases with similar, but at the same time different in the types of hair loss. In this paper, I will talk about the different types of alopecia which includes canine alopecia, and the treatments, causes, diagnosis, and prognosis of this disease. Alopecia is a Chronic, acute inflammatory disease.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a condition of the immune system which affects the hair and nails. This disease causes hair loss, bald spots, and is an autoimmune disease. Alopecia affects both men and women. In rare cases, may affect infants.
Causes
This autoimmune disease attacks the hair follicles. Normal formation of the hair is disrupted and does not …show more content…
The classification for newborns is not an autoimmune disease. Newborns are born without a fully developed immune system. (MedicineNet.com, 2015)
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia areata is the most common type of alopecia. The different types of alopecia all have similar symptoms, (hair loss). Alopecia totalis is hair loss over the entire scalp. Alopecia universalis is where the hair loss is over the entire body. Alopecia is an inflammatory disease and is not contagious.
Nails can also be affected by this autoimmune disease due to the fact, both hair and nails are composed of keratin. The nails can have a pitting or frachyonychia, sometimes called “sandpaper nails”. The nails will lack luster and may be rough. With alopecia areata, trachyonychia is also associated with lichen planus, and psoriasis. (MedicineNet.com, 2015)
Who is …show more content…
Patients lose hair on the entire body. The difference between this type of Alopecia and the other types, they may need a biopsy on the scalp to confirm the disease. Hair may not grow back when a patient has universalis. Universalis is an advanced type of alopecia totalis, with progression throughout the body, including eyebrows, pubic hair, arm hair, nose hair and more.
Treatment
Treatment for alopecia universalis includes Topical and injected steroids in the areas of loss. Continued treatment may be needed if the hair loss continues in the treated areas.
Alopecia and Animals
Alopecia can affect both dogs and cats. The skin, endocrine system, lymphatic system and the immune systems are affected. Ages, breeds and gender can be considered when diagnosing alopecia in animals. The disease progression for animals is gradual or acute, and is usually caused by an underlying disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms in the animals include scratching, biting and may begin as pustules, hot spots and by other lesions.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a condition of the immune system which affects the hair and nails. This disease causes hair loss, bald spots, and is an autoimmune disease. Alopecia affects both men and women. In rare cases, may affect infants.
Causes
This autoimmune disease attacks the hair follicles. Normal formation of the hair is disrupted and does not …show more content…
The classification for newborns is not an autoimmune disease. Newborns are born without a fully developed immune system. (MedicineNet.com, 2015)
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia areata is the most common type of alopecia. The different types of alopecia all have similar symptoms, (hair loss). Alopecia totalis is hair loss over the entire scalp. Alopecia universalis is where the hair loss is over the entire body. Alopecia is an inflammatory disease and is not contagious.
Nails can also be affected by this autoimmune disease due to the fact, both hair and nails are composed of keratin. The nails can have a pitting or frachyonychia, sometimes called “sandpaper nails”. The nails will lack luster and may be rough. With alopecia areata, trachyonychia is also associated with lichen planus, and psoriasis. (MedicineNet.com, 2015)
Who is …show more content…
Patients lose hair on the entire body. The difference between this type of Alopecia and the other types, they may need a biopsy on the scalp to confirm the disease. Hair may not grow back when a patient has universalis. Universalis is an advanced type of alopecia totalis, with progression throughout the body, including eyebrows, pubic hair, arm hair, nose hair and more.
Treatment
Treatment for alopecia universalis includes Topical and injected steroids in the areas of loss. Continued treatment may be needed if the hair loss continues in the treated areas.
Alopecia and Animals
Alopecia can affect both dogs and cats. The skin, endocrine system, lymphatic system and the immune systems are affected. Ages, breeds and gender can be considered when diagnosing alopecia in animals. The disease progression for animals is gradual or acute, and is usually caused by an underlying disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms in the animals include scratching, biting and may begin as pustules, hot spots and by other lesions.