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Today, 07 November 2009

› Malema’s life in danger

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Yesterday, 06 November 2009

› ANCYL, BMF back Maroga

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› Eskom boss 'slaughtered'

› I have fallen hard - Joost

› Eskom boss 'pushed'

Question

What is alopecia areata and how can it be treated?

Answer

Alopecia refers to hair loss and alopecia areata is a pattern of hair loss occurring in specific circumscribed areas. There is no obvious skin disorder or systemic disease.

Any area of hair may be involved but the scalp and beard are the most common. Rarely, all the body hair may be lost (alopecia universalis).

If the area of hair loss is small then it generally reverses in a few months, although it may re-occur. However, if there is extensive hair loss it is less likely to reverse.

It is not known what causes it, but there may be an autoimmune component.

Dilute triamcinolone acetonide suspension may be injected into the skin if the lesions are small, but results may not be lasting. Experimental induction of a mild contact dermatitis has shown some benefit, as have other topical skin irritants.

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