Why does hair sometimes grow back white after alopecia areata? Expand When hair regrows after alopecia areata, it may appear white due to a lack of pigment-producing cells called ‘melanocytes’. In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss. When hair begins to regrow, the melanocytes may not fully function, resulting in white/colourless hair. It is understood that although melanocytes are present in the regrowing white hair follicle, the cells that will form the hair are initially unable to take up pigment from the melanocytes. Over time, the pigmentation may return to normal but for some people the hair may remain white. Unfortunately, we do not understand why some people regain hair colour and others do not.
Is alopecia areata caused by stress? Expand The exact cause of alopecia areata is not known. It is understood to be an autoimmune condition. Research evidence is limited, however scientists believe it is likely that there are a number of causes/triggers. It is unlikely to be the same trigger/cause for everyone. These triggers could be something from inside the body or something outside the body, or a combination of both. Stress is a commonly quoted cause of alopecia areata but there are lots of people who cannot link their alopecia areata to a stressful event or period of stress. This article from researcher Professor Kevin McElwee provides a comprehensive look at the possible causes of alopecia areata and is an interesting read for anyone wanting to understand more about potential triggers.
Is alopecia areata an autoimmune condition/disease Expand It is widely accepted by many researchers and clinicians that alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. However, not all experts believe that alopecia areata is always autoimmune in its nature. This is why we often say ‘understood to be autoimmune’. This blog post explores this question in greater detail.
Are people with alopecia areata more likely to have other autoimmune conditions? Expand If you have one autoimmune condition, you more likely to develop another autoimmune condition. About 25% of people will have more than one autoimmune condition. In addition, it is more likely for those with autoimmune conditions to have close family members with autoimmune conditions. Other autoimmune conditions include: Coeliac Disease Crohn’s Disease Fibromyalgia Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Lupus Multiple Sclerosis Psoriasis Rheumatoid Arthritis Vitiligo This is not an exhaustive list.
Will my child inherit alopecia areata from me? Expand It is understandable that people with alopecia areata would have concerns about their children also having the condition. Alopecia areata is complex and it is not possible to predict whether or not your child will develop the condition. However, scientists believe that multiple factors (both genetic and in the environment) are needed in order to trigger the disease, not just simply family heredity. Most parents will not pass alopecia areata along to their children.
Is there a cure for alopecia areata? Expand At present, there is no cure for alopecia areata, although the hair may return without any treatment. There are different treatment options but none are guaranteed to work.
Can a few patches of alopecia areata lead to total hair loss? Expand Alopecia areata most typically displays as small round bald patches. This could be just one patch or a number of patches. When diagnosed with alopecia areata, it is easy to panic that all hair will fall out. However, it is worth noting that 80% of people with just a few patches of alopecia areata experience regrowth without treatment. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine whether someone will be in the 80% who will experience regrowth or the 20% who will continue to experience hair loss, either with continued patches or more extensive or total hair loss.