Dazhong Net·Poster News reporter Xu Ling correspondent Lv Wenguo reported from Jinan
Recently, Meng Xianguang, deputy chief physician of the Department of Dermatology of Jinan Central Hospital, came to the clinic of a very anxious patient. A young patient, Xiao Wang, felt nervous when he woke up in the morning and suddenly found that a piece of his hair had fallen out (Figure 1).
Director Meng Xianguang carefully inquired about the medical history, and a physical examination showed a Circular hair loss area, the skin of the hair loss area is smooth, with clear borders, no inflammation and no scales. Director Meng also performed dermoscopy for Xiao Wang, and found typical yellow dot sign, black dot sign, broken hair and exclamation mark hair (Figure 2). Combined with the patient’s clinical manifestations, physical examination and dermoscopic manifestations, Xiao Wang was diagnosed as alopecia areata.
Director Meng Xianguang patiently and meticulously explained the related situation of alopecia areata to Xiao Wang, which relieved his anxiety.
Alopecia areata is a common hair-related disease, which is a sudden onset of localized hair loss. Some patients often find that their hair suddenly falls out in the morning, but they can’t find the reason, so it is also called “ghost shaving”.
The specific etiology of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but may be related to factors such as excessive mental stress, fatigue, endocrine disorders, autoimmunity and genetics. Some familial disease manifests as autosomal dominant inheritance, and about 25% of patients have a family history.
Alopecia areata can occur at any age, but is more common in young adults. The typical clinical manifestation is the sudden appearance of round or oval, 1-10 cm in diameter, varying in number, and well-defined hair loss areas. The skin of the affected area was smooth, with no inflammatory manifestations, no scaling, and no scarring. Dermoscopy can see typical yellow dot sign, black dot sign, broken hair, and exclamation mark hair.
According to the condition, alopecia areata can be divided into advanced stage, stationary stage and recovery stage. The hair on the edge of the advanced hair loss area is loose, and the hair can be easily pulled out by pulling it by hand. During the resting period, the hair at the edge of the alopecia spot is no longer loose, and most patients enter the recovery period after the hair loss has stopped for 3 to 4 months; in the recovery period, new hair grows, and initially soft and light-colored hairs appear, which gradually thicken and change in color. deep, and finally fully returned to normal.
The goal of alopecia areata treatment is to stop the progression of the disease as much as possible, slow down the symptoms of hair loss and promote hair growth. Local treatment options include local injection of glucocorticoids, topical potent corticosteroids, and topical minoxidil.
Systemic glucocorticoids can be selected for advanced alopecia areata with rapid progress and extensive hair loss. The curative effect is exact, and it can control hair loss while promoting hair regeneration.
In addition, ultraviolet irradiation, low-energy laser and fractional carbon dioxide laser, local injection of platelet-rich plasma, micro-needling, plum-blossom acupuncture, fire acupuncture, etc. all have certain therapeutic effects on alopecia areata.
Director Meng Xianguang reminded everyone that in daily life, try to maintain a regular work and rest, combine work and rest, get enough sleep, and feel comfortable. Avoid stress, anxiety, depression and other negative emotions. Appropriately strengthen physical exercise, enhance their resistance. It will help to prevent the occurrence of alopecia areata.