[ALOPECIA AREATA]

Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ specific autoimmune disease. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, its pathogenesis is believed to be an interaction of genetic, environmental and immune factors. Studies have shown that autoreactive lymphocytes affect anagen hair follicles leading to subsequent shedding of hairs and alopecia. Clinically, the disease is characterized by sudden nonscarring hair loss that usually involves the scalp, but may also affect the face and other body areas, and indeed the entire body hair. AA may appear for the first time at any age, affecting both children and adults, but it occurs primarily at a young age with a peak incidence in the second and third decade of life. The disease causes pronounced social and psychological impact. The main therapeutic approaches include immunosuppression through anti-inflammatory agents and immunomodulation based on skin sensitization.