The primary cause of hair loss in individuals remains male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, and there is little to suggest that will change anytime in the foreseeable future. There are, however, a number of other common causes of hair loss. The third most common cause is autoimmune disease-related hair loss, which impacts approximately 2% of Americans.
What Autoimmune Diseases Can Cause Hair Loss?
The most common autoimmune disease associated with hair loss is alopecia areata. This disease causes the immune system to mistakenly identify healthy hair follicles as foreign entities to attack, destroying them and causing hair loss. The hair loss typically occurs in patches on the face and scalp, though some instances see a near full loss of hair.
While there are no other symptoms related to this disease, it is often paired with other autoimmune diseases – including psoriasis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Outside of those instances, there are no real obvious triggers to track susceptibility to the disease, though high stress, combating a serious illness, or a close biological family member having alopecia areata all seem to suggest having a higher risk.
How Do You Treat Autoimmune Hair Loss?
Thankfully, in most cases, the hair does regrow in time. Usually, this occurs after a few months, when a patchy bald spot has appeared. The hair may grow back looking white or gray, but the natural color comes back in time. In these instances, it’s important to keep an eye on the affected areas and follow lifestyle advice from professionals on how to maximize your overall hair health, which includes managing stress.
Unfortunately, there are instances where hair loss related to alopecia areata does not grow back. While rare, there are instances where hair regrows in one patch while a new patch forms, which can lead to multiple patches forming that eventually lead to total scalp hair loss, known as alopecia totalis. There is also a small but existing chance that it progresses across the body, which is known as alopecia universalis.
There is a chance that even in these more extreme instances, hair loss may not be permanent. If there is no family history of alopecia areata, the hair loss it causes is minimal, and the onset is not until later in life, then you are more likely to regrow your hair.
Is Autoimmune Hair Loss Reversible?
While many instances of autoimmune-related hair loss reverses on their own, that is not always the case. Furthermore, it is very possible to go through something like alopecia areata and start experiencing noticeable male or female pattern baldness overlapping it. A medical evaluation of your hair loss is essential. A specialist in hair restoration will be able to diagnosis the underlying cause and create a customized treatment plan.
Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley Are the Hair Loss Specialists
At Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley, we are dedicated to providing unparalleled results for our clients by using the latest technological achievements in the field. We not only stand by the proven results of the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System, but we go even further by utilizing both the latest version, the ARTAS IX, as well as the NeoGraft 2.0 to ensure that the hair restoration that we offer provides both permanent results and healthier grafts. Schedule a free consultation today and take your first steps towards restoring your hair and your confidence.
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