What is autoimmune hair loss?
Autoimmune hair loss, or patch-on hair loss, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in small, round areas. Some severe cases can cause total hair loss on the scalp (completal hair loss) or total hair loss on the body (whole body hair loss). According to the National Hair Loss Fund (US), this condition is difficult to predict and significantly affects the psychology of patients.
Common symptoms include:
Sudden hair loss in patches.
sensitive or inflamed scalp.
Changes in nails and toenails.
eyebrows and eyelashes.
Early recognition of signs helps with timely intervention, limits progression and improves treatment outcomes, says Dr Viral Desai, a cosmetic surgeon and hair transplant surgeon in India.
Increased causes
There is currently no official conclusion, but experts say that three main groups of factors contribute to the increase in this condition:
Genetically, people with relatives with autoimmune diseases are at higher risk. Geneic factors can trigger disease in the next generation, says Dr. Desai.
Environmental factors, prolonged stress, pollution, exposure to drugs or toxic chemicals can easily trigger an abnormal immune response.
Immunity decline, a diet high in processed foods, poor sleep and a sedentary lifestyle reduce resistance.
Treatment and control
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, treatments include:
Corticosteroids to suppress local immunity.
Inject corticosteroids directly into hair loss areas.
Light therapy or other comprehensive methods.
In addition to medical treatment, Dr. Desai recommends lifestyle adjustments to support the recovery process:
Eat a balanced diet: increase leafy greens, fruits rich in antioxidants, nuts and seeds that provide protein and healthy fats.
Manage stress: exercise regularly, meditate, and maintain quality sleep.
Gentle hair care: avoid heat styling, limit chemicals and dyes.
Blood test: early detection of endocrine disorders or underlying autoimmune diseases.
"Self- suppressed hair loss is not just a cosmetic problem. Early treatment combined with maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve hair health and patient psychology," Dr. Desai emphasized.
