Alopecia or alopecia areata is an acquired skin ailment that can affect all hair-bearing skin including scalp, beard, which is characterized by localized areas of non-scarring hair loss.

Current studies suggest that alopecia areata is caused by an abnormality in the immune system.

Most of the cases are reversible to normal spontaneously with therapies and correcting certain factors.

 MODERN VIEW OF ALOPECIA:

TWO TYPES:SCARRING AND NON SCARRING

Scarring type is associated with inflammation and hair loss including follicles, and creates smooth scalp.

In non scarring type of alopecia hair follicles are preserved, but hair shafts goes away.

Depending on distribution, it is classified as follows:

 ALOPECIA AREATA:

Alopecia areata is occasionally associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, lupus, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Rarely it shows role of genes where this condition runs in families. However other causative factors may also associate with the condition.

 DIFFUSE ALOPECIA:

The most common pattern is one or more well-defined spots of hair loss on the scalp and even on chin area. Sometimes generalized thinning of hair referred to as diffuse alopecia areata that is throughout the scalp.

 ALOPECIA TOTALIS:

Occasionally, all of the scalp hair is lost, a condition referred to as alopecia totalis.

Alopecia Universalis:

 Rarely, the loss of all of the hairs on the entire body may happen and called as alopecia universalis.

 CONCEPT OF INDRALUPTA OR ALOPECIA IN AYURVEDA:

Ancient acharyas have considered this condition under sira kapala rogas. According to them, the root cause is excessive intake of vata and pitta(the two main pillers of the body) aggravating diet. This causes obstruction in micro-channels (Sleshma and Shonita) that supply nutrients to hair follicle and results in hair loss.

  DIAGNOSIS OF ALOPECIA IN AYURVEDA:

As there are a number of treatable conditions that could be confused with alopecia areata, one should diagnose the condition by considering characteristic finding of alopecia areata which is with well-circumscribed area or areas of normal hairless skin in an area of normal hair growth. Ayurveda explains the involvement of Vata and Pitta along with Slehsma and Raktha.

Other findings that may be helpful are the appearance of short hairs that presumably represent split hairs, yellow areas of skin deposition at the follicular orifice, short thin hairs, and grey hairs all present in a bald area.

Other causes of hair loss are generally excluded from the consideration by history and clinical evaluation such as chemotherapy, and other hormonal therapies that may cause hair loss.

 LINE OF TREATMENT: (AYURVEDA):

The course of typical alopecia areata in classical ayurveda is predictable with certain factors based on the distribution and manifestation of condition, like longer the period of hair loss and if larger the area involved, the less likely for the hair to re-grow. However emotional factors are taken into consideration and certain corrective Ayurvedic treatments are indicated.

Depending on the involvement of Doshas and Dushyas such as Vata and Pitta, Sleshma and Rakta respectively, one can treat the condition with typical methods of Snehana, Swedana, Raktamokshana, Lepana, Rasayna therapies.

As there are certain complications involved with the therapies like UVR, laser therapy, hormonal therapy, and even hair transplantation which usually gives some complications.

 However, with the help of ayurvedic therapies and medicines one can easily manage this condition by correcting the root cause.

The Healing Earth Multipspeciality Ayurveda Hospital, with the help of a efficient Team of Ayurvedic doctors and well equipped infrastructure performs both panchakarma treatments and medicinal treatments in the most classical and ethical way.