Alopecia Areata is a common skin condition that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes other areas of the body, such as the underarms or legs. The word “alopecia” means baldness, and “areata” means patchy. It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss.

Alopecia Areata is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles, mistaking them for foreign substances, which causes inflammation and hair loss.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that can flare up or recur. There are several factors that can trigger or exacerbate the condition, including:

1. Stress and mental state

• Physical and mental stress, such as work stress or personal problems, can trigger a malfunction in the immune system, leading to increased hair loss.
• Depression or anxiety can cause the condition to recur.

2. Genetics

• If you have a family member with Alopecia Areata or another immune disease, such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, you may be at higher risk of flare-ups.

3. Viral or bacterial infection

• Infections such as the flu, COVID-19, or other infectious diseases can trigger an immune system malfunction and increase hair loss.

4. Hormonal imbalance

• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can exacerbate the disease.

5. Contact with certain chemicals or medications

• Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, anticoagulants, or immunosuppressants, may trigger symptoms of Alopecia Areata.
• Chemicals in hair care products, such as hair dyes containing ammonia or cleaning products containing irritants, can trigger flare-ups in some people.

6. Lack of nutrients

• Lack of iron, zinc, vitamin D and biotin can weaken hair follicles and trigger the onset of the disease.

7. Environment and season

• Temperature changes, such as very cold or hot weather, can trigger more hair loss.
• Pollution, such as dust and smoke, can trigger abnormalities in the immune system.

• PM2.5 is associated with exacerbation of Alopecia Areata because these fine particles can induce inflammation and affect the immune system, which are important factors in the development of Alopecia Areata.

The relationship between PM2.5 and Alopecia Areata
stimulates inflammation and immune dysfunction

1. Stimulates inflammation and immune dysfunction
   • PM2.5 can enter the body through breathing and cause chronic inflammation in various systems, including the skin and pores.
   • Some research has found that PM2.5 dust may cause the immune system to malfunction, which may trigger an autoimmune disease such as Alopecia Areata .
2. Oxidative Stress
   • PM2.5 dust contains toxic substances such as heavy metals and organic compounds that create free radicals.
   • These free radicals can damage hair follicles and make hair weak and prone to breakage.
3. Effects on hormones and circulatory system
   • PM2.5 dust can disrupt the hormonal system, especially hormones related to hair, such as thyroid hormones and stress hormones (Cortisol), which are factors that may trigger hair loss.
   • In addition, PM2.5 can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the scalp, causing the hair roots to receive less nutrients.
4. Scalp irritation
   
   • PM2.5 dust can accumulate on the scalp and hair follicles, causing inflammation, irritation and itching, which may stimulate more hair loss, especially for those who already have Alopecia Areata .

วิธีป้องกันผลกระทบของ PM2.5 ต่อเส้นผม

✅ Avoid areas with high dust by checking the dust value before leaving the house.
✅ Wear a dust mask (N95 or KF94) when having to be in a dusty place.
✅ Wash your hair thoroughly after exposure to pollution. Use a shampoo that helps reduce irritation and removes toxins.
✅ Eat antioxidant foods such as vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc to help reduce inflammation.
✅ Strengthen hair follicles by nourishing the hair and scalp regularly.

Symptoms of Alopecia Areata

Patients usually notice hair loss in coin-sized patches on the scalp or beard, but hair loss can occur anywhere on the body. In severe cases, it can cause the entire scalp to lose hair (alopecia totalis) or the entire body to lose hair (alopecia universalis).

Treatment of Alopecia Areata

There are several ways to treat this disease, depending on the severity of the symptoms. In cases where hair loss is not severe, hair may grow back on its own without treatment. However, in some cases, if left untreated, the symptoms may worsen until all the hair on the head is lost. Therefore, if the patient has symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor first and avoid buying and using medicine by yourself because it may make the symptoms worse. For the initial treatment, the doctor must use steroids injected into the area of ​​the hair roots that have fallen out to suppress the immune system and use Minoxidil to stimulate new hair growth.

summarize

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss. Although it is not harmful to overall health, it can affect a person’s self-confidence and quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help patients effectively manage the condition.