Ringworm is a disease that manifests itself in the sudden loss of hair on the scalp, beard area, eyebrows, eyelashes and other body hairs, in the form of coins (round), without any obvious symptoms.
Because it is unknown how the disease will progress, patients negatively affects their quality of life. Although it is suggested that genetics, psychological stresses, changes in the immune system, endocrine and neural factors play a role in the emergence of the disease, the underlying cause is not fully known. In alopecia areata, hair follicles are not recognized as the patient's own by the immune system and are rejected as foreign. It is not known why this happens, why only certain areas are affected, and why the hair grows back.
The immune system, which becomes aggressive especially under stress or in autoimmune diseases, sees its own cells as foreign and begins to fight these cells. In this case, cells called lymphocytes around the hair follicles secrete chemicals called cytokines, which causes hair loss.
It is a very common disease all over the world. It can be seen equally in men and women. It can be seen in everyone, regardless of race, gender and age. However, patients are mostly young adults. 60% of patients experience their first attack under the age of 20.
The development of other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, diabetes, vitiligo (ala disease), and Addison's disease is higher in a patient with alopecia areata than in a healthy person.
The disease is not contagious and is not related to vitamin deficiency or nutritional habits. Events such as tension, stress, especially bereavement, separation and accidents can sometimes be triggers for the disease.
In order to plan the appropriate treatment for each patient, it must first be taken into account whether there are underlying negative prognostic parameters such as thyroid disease, atopic structure and congenital anomalies (Down syndrome). In the second stage, choosing the appropriate treatment for the patient comes. Treatment includes steroid creams, local steroid injections, systemic steroids, topical sensitizing agents, phototherapy, minoxidil lotion. Among the options, the method that suits the patient's condition is chosen. In cases where these are not effective or the spillage is oil, drugs that suppress the immune system can be used.
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