Ringworm; It is a rapid hair loss in areas with dense hair such as hair, eyebrows, beard and eyelashes. It manifests itself as round or oval hairless areas on the scalp that are clearly visible from the outside. Ringworm can be seen in both men and women; It is more common in men and young people than in women. Since it is a condition that significantly affects a person's appearance, it can also cause psychological problems. Treatment should be done as soon as possible to prevent loss of self-confidence.
What causes ringworm (Alopecia areata)?
Although the cause of ringworm is not known exactly, autoimmune causes may cause it. It is thought to be. It occurs when the body sees its own cells and tissues as foreign. As a result, the immune system becomes defensive against the cells within it. When defense cells attack the hair follicles, hair stops growing and causes hair loss. We can say that ringworm is actually an infectious disease.
In line with other research, it has been observed that ringworm is closely related to genetic factors. The occurrence of this disorder in a child whose family has ringworm is 3 to 6 times more common than normal. And also; Some diseases may also occur together with ringworm and may support the effect of genetic factors. For example:
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Eczema
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Chronic inflammatory thyroid disorder
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Hay fever
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Addison's disease
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Psoriasis
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Atopic allergic asthma
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Vitiligo
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Lupus
Ringworm (Alopecia) areata) what are the risk factors?
Ringworm disease usually occurs under the age of 40. Men tend to be diagnosed more frequently than women, and especially young individuals are in the risk group. Genetic predisposition, presence of Down syndrome and autoimmune diseases; are important factors in the emergence of ringworm.
What are the symptoms of ringworm (Alopecia areata)?
The symptoms of ringworm are often characteristic. One or more lesions on the scalp It manifests itself with smooth, oval or balding areas in many areas. The skin in the relevant area is healthy and there is no inflammation. There is only hair loss. This loss begins on the scalp; However, many hairy areas, including eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, beard and pubic hair, can be affected by ringworm. Additionally, changes in the nail structure can also be observed. The course of the disease is unpredictable and in some cases may be chronically recurrent.
During the disease process; Spontaneous recovery, stabilization or worsening of the course may be observed. When hair grows back in the balding area, it appears white at first.
How is ringworm (Alopecia areata) diagnosed?
The symptoms of ringworm are typical. The disease can be easily diagnosed even without getting a specialist doctor's opinion. It would be best to consult a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. Our physician will first question your symptoms and determine the degree of hair loss. It confirms the diagnosis by examining your hair sample under the microscope and, if deemed necessary, takes a piece and sends it to pathology for definitive diagnosis.
Is hair transplantation performed in the area with ringworm (Alopecia areata)?
Every hair on the body can be taken from its location using appropriate methods and transplanted to any desired area of the body, and the hair follicle transplanted to every living skin area is retained. In other words, hair transplantation can be done from a different point of the body to the balding area that has fallen out due to ringworm or any other reason. The real problem is not the area, but the hair follicles. Because the hair follicle falling out is actually the main problem of the problem. When a non-diseased hair follicle is taken and transplanted to the diseased area, it will hold and continue to grow in that area. In short, when hair is transplanted to the area with ringworm, the hair remains in that area.
When should people with ringworm (Alopecia areata) have transplantation?
Whatever the treatment is This should be continued for at least 6 to 8 months. If even a slight improvement is observed at the end of this period, hair transplantation should be postponed and the treatment should be continued. It would be better to wait 8 to 12 months to decide "I want to have a hair transplant." Because, even at this stage, there is a possibility of hair growth.
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