Alopecia areata is a fairly common condition (ranking with vitiligo) that results in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches. It occurs in males and females of all ages, but onset most often occurs in childhood. In alopecia areata, the affected hair follicles become very small, drastically slow down production, and grow no hair visible above the surface for months or years.

Alopecia is an autoimmune hair loss disease that affects men, women and children of any age. The onset of the hair loss is often sudden, random and frequently recurrent. The different types of alopecia are: Alopecia Areata (al-oh-pea-shah r-e-ah-ta) (AA): Used to describe hair loss occurring in patches, usually small and round, anywhere on the body.

Yes, the treatment approach is difference and the prognosis is also difference. That is, Alopecia is treatable with great success, while Alopecia totalis is not curable using homeopathy. Steroids may help but superficially. Our experience suggests that by use of steroids, most patients get more spots elsewhere on the skin. Steroids do not address internal autoimmune disorder. Well, they are very useful during acute attacks. But, they do not cure chronic urticaria, in my experience.

Please check this link which explains the causes in detail: http://www.alopeciaareata.us/app/causes.asp

The term "cicatricial alopecia" refers to a diverse group of rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. In some cases, hair loss is gradual, without symptoms, and is unnoticed for long periods. In other cases, hair loss is associated with severe itching, burning and pain and is rapidly progressive.

Yes, stress can trigger some immunological or endocrinal changes which may in turn changes which may lead to alopecia. However, stress is not the single factor leading to alopecia.

For all practical purposes, one o a few patches of hair loss is called Alopecia areata; while total hair loss all over the body, including eyebrows, eyes lashes, all over the skin, is called Alopecia totalis.

Alopecia is prevalent in western cultures. It is also known as hair loss, or just baldness. No wonder, among its main causes are hereditary predisposition, infections, polluted environment and toxicity, improper nutrition, physical or emotional overloads and stresses that are so typical of modern people. The articles covers different methods of alopecia treatment according to its different types: congenital, symptomatic, seborrheic, cicatricial, premature, total and areal alopecia.

The homeopathic treatment treats alopecia areata possibly by regulating the immune mechanism. Read more http://www.alopeciaareata.us/app/hom_treatment.asp

The length of time depends on the factors such as duration of alopecia areata, its extent, size and number of spots and the underlying cause. Most people with one or two spots of alopecia areata since 3-4 months may get cured within about four months. Older and more spots may take time. Every patient may have different response patter. You can check curability chances through online assessment test. http://www.alopeciaareata.us/app/curability-register.

It is a dysfunction related to adrogens (male hormones). Both hormonal and hereditary factors play an important part in its development. Common baldness is characterised by a receding hair line and/or the loss of hair on the crown of the head.

The difference centres on the area of hair loss – local alopecia is isolated and present in one or several areas, whereas generalised hair loss is manifested as an overall loss of hair that affects a more extensive area.

You are not alone. There are millions of people with Alopecia in all corners of the world, including over 4 million in the United States. Reading their stories or comments on-line, on discussion boards and in chat rooms (see the links page) will show you how other people are coping in their various ways throughout the world. They're nearly all in English! That is not to say it isn't an upsetting condition or that you won't have times when you find it difficult.