Alopecia areata (Alopecia areata) is a skin condition characterised by sudden, usually round, uniformly shaped hair loss. This occurs when hair follicles are mistakenly targeted by the immune system. As a result, inflammation that damages the hair follicles begins and hair loss occurs.

Hair loss can develop as a result of a combination of genetic, environmental and immune system-related factors. Here are the main causes of this disease:

1.  Immune System and Autoimmune Reactions : Hair breakage is considered an autoimmune disease. This is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells (in this case hair follicles). The immune system perceives the hair follicles as a foreign substance and begins to damage them. This process leads to hair loss.

2. Genetic Factors

   Alopecia areata is thought to have a genetic component. People with a history of hair loss in family members have a higher risk of developing alopecia areata. In many cases, the disease can affect more than one person in a family.

3. Stress

   Physical or emotional stress can be a trigger for hair loss. Stress can cause the immune system to become imbalanced, causing hair follicles to react abnormally. However, it is thought that stress is only a trigger factor, not a direct cause.

4. Hormonal Changes

   Hair loss is also associated with hormonal changes. Especially in women, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, postpartum period, menopause and menstrual irregularities can predispose to the development of alopecia areata. In men, conditions that can be associated with testosterone levels can also be seen.

5. Environmental Factors

   Environmental factors, especially harmful chemicals, polluted air, allergic reactions and some medications can be triggers for hair breakage. Exposure to chemicals can cause inflammation of the scalp and misdirection of the immune system

6.  Other Autoimmune Diseases

   Alopecia areata can sometimes be associated with other autoimmune diseases. For example, conditions such as thyroid diseases (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), lupus, vitiligo (a disease that causes white patches on the skin) can increase the risk of alopecia areata. 

7. Nutritional Deficiencies

   Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Especially iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin and folic acid deficiencies can negatively affect hair health. Inadequate nutrition can weaken the immune system and accelerate hair loss.

   Hair loss is a condition that can develop with the combination of multiple factors. Many factors such as genetic predisposition, immune system problems, stress, hormonal changes, environmental factors and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the development of alopecia areata. Left untreated, hair loss can become permanent, but can be controlled with early intervention and treatment.

   Treatment of alopecia areata should be performed by dermatologists and planned according to each patient's specific condition. Treatment methods include corticosteroids, immune modulators and various topical treatments.

   It is of great importance to perform a detailed preliminary examination before aesthetic operations. Uzm. Dr Kamile Demirci can guide you through this process in the best way possible with her expertise and experience. You can contact us via the contact information below to make a pre-examination appointment

8. Harmful effects of the sun and its effects on the skin

   Sun rays have two different effects on our skin, which can be both beneficial and harmful. Although sunlight has benefits such as enabling the body to produce vitamin D, excessive and unprotected sun exposure can have serious negative effects on skin health. Here are the harmful effects of the sun on the skin and methods of protection from these effects:

Harmful Effects of the Sun:

1. UV Rays and Their Effects on the Skin Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can directly damage our skin. There are two main types of UV rays:
   UVA Rays: They have longer wavelengths and penetrate the deeper skin layers (dermis). They slowly damage the skin and accelerate skin aging.
   UVB Rays: UVB rays, which have shorter wavelengths, damage the skin surface and cause sunburn. UVB rays are also one of the main factors that increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Premature aging (photoaging) Excessive exposure to the sun can cause the skin to show signs of premature aging. This is called photoaging and can cause the following changes in the skin
   Fine lines and wrinkles.
   Loss of skin elasticity, sagging.
   Uneven skin color (hyperpigmentation, age spots
3. Sunburn Exposure to UV rays can cause redness, pain and swelling of the skin. Sunburn causes the skin to become inflamed to regenerate itself. Severe sunburns can permanently damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.
4. Skin Cancer Risk Sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. In particular, more serious forms of cancer, such as melanoma, can develop as a result of overexposure to UV rays. UV rays can cause cancer by damaging the DNA of skin cells. Skin cancer can be successfully managed with early detection and treatment.
5. Eye Damage The sun's harmful rays not only affect the skin but also threaten the eyes. UV rays can contribute to the development of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to blindness.

Other Effects of the Sun on the Skin:

1. Sunscreen Use Sunscreen products are the most effective method to protect the skin from UV rays. Choosing products with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) value is essential for maintaining skin health. Products with SPF 30 and above provide broad spectrum protection.
2. Sun Exposure Time To protect from sunlight, avoid being outside during peak sun hours (10:00-16:00). The skin is exposed to more UV rays during these hours.
3. Protective Clothing Wide-brimmed hats, UV protective fabrics and sunglasses can be used to protect your skin and eyes.
4. Regular Skin Care After sun exposure, it is important to moisturize the skin, use restorative skin care products and perform after-sun care. Skin needs additional support to recover from the effects of the sun.
5. Adequate Water Consumption It is important to drink plenty of water to prevent the sun from drying out the skin. The skin should be kept moisturized and dehydration should be prevented.

The harmful effects of the sun can threaten skin health and cause serious problems in the long term. However, it is possible to avoid sun damage with the right protection methods. To protect your skin health and avoid the harmful effects of the sun, it is necessary to use sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing and limit your exposure to the sun.

A detailed preliminary examination is of great importance before aesthetic operations. Uzm. Dr. Kamile Demirci can guide you in the best way in this process with her expertise and experience. You can contact us via the contact information below to make a pre-examination appointment.