An Overview Of Alopecia With A Case Report On Alopecia Areata Treated With Homoeopathic Medicine

Abstract

Alopecia, commonly known as hair loss, is a widespread condition affecting individuals of all ages and genders, often leading to significant psychological and emotional distress. This condition encompasses a spectrum of hair loss patterns, ranging from thinning to complete baldness, and can manifest on the scalp or other body areas. The etiology of alopecia is multifactorial and includes genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances (such as in androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness), autoimmune mechanisms (as seen in alopecia areata where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles), severe stress, nutritional deficiencies, certain medical conditions, and as a side effect of some medications or treatments like chemotherapy.

Several distinct types of alopecia have been identified, each with unique characteristics and underlying causes. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form, characterized by a progressive, patterned hair loss. Alopecia areata typically presents as patchy hair loss and can, in severe cases, lead to complete loss of scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all body hair (alopecia universalis). Telogen effluvium is another prevalent type, often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes, resulting in diffuse hair shedding. Other forms include traction alopecia, caused by prolonged tension on the hair follicles, and scarring alopecias, where hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue

ABBREVIATION:

OPD– Out Patient Department, PR –Pulse Rate, RR – Respiratory Rate, Temp.- Temperature, Ht. – Height, Wt. – Weight, B.P – Blood Pressure, CVS – Cardiovascular system, CNS Central Nervous System, RESP. – Respiratory System, GIT – Gastro Intestinal System