Mayara was diagnosed with the same autoimmune disease as her sister. Understand what alopecia areata

Mayara, from the duet with Marissa, announced on social media that she is undergoing treatment for alopecia areata. This condition, which also affects the artist’s twin sister and stage partner, is an autoimmune disease responsible for interrupting the hair growth cycle, causing hair loss.

Dermatologist Lucas Miranda, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), explains that the disease has two most common types: macular and androgenic. The first causes circular fallout and blemishes on the scalp or all over the body. The second type, also known as alopecia, can lead to complete or partial hair loss, and is more common among men.

What is the difference between alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia?

“Alopecia areata is a non-infectious inflammatory disease that causes hair loss and is associated with several factors, such as genetics and the involvement of autoimmunity. There are rare cases of alopecia areata totalis, with the loss of all hair on the head, or alopecia universalis, “where hair falls out all over the body,” the doctor said. Bearing in mind that with this type of alopecia, the hair follicles are not destroyed, but become inactive, and hair can still grow back.

Androgenic alopecia is permanent hair loss. “Although it is more common in males – it is estimated that 80% of men over 80 suffer from this problem – androgenic alopecia can also affect women. The most common complaint of androgenic alopecia is hair thinning. The hair becomes thinner. “Gradually, the scalp becomes more open,” Miranda added.

What can cause alopecia?

The causes of the onset of the disease are varied and depend on the type. Some of the factors highlighted by the doctor are emotional problems, immune diseases (lupus, vitiligo, etc.), vitamin deficiencies, and infections caused by fungi. In alopecia areata, acute attacks can arise during periods of critical stress. And he analyzed: “This happens because stress affects the functioning of the immune system, which leads to an intensification of the body’s autoimmune response, which generates inflammation.”

The specialist explained that the genetic factor may be the reason for the development of the disease that afflicts the artists. “[Genética] It is one of the factors that can lead to alopecia. However, it is a multifactorial disease. Each case must be evaluated individually, as there may be other causes that need to be investigated and appropriate treatment determined,” explained the SBD member.

How is alopecia treated?

Dermatologist Lucas Miranda explained that because it is an inflammatory disease, the chances of controlling it are great. “Nowadays, there are many treatments for alopecia areata. Topical medications, such as corticosteroids and minoxidil, are associated with more aggressive solutions, such as sensitizers or injectable corticoids. Nowadays, there are many treatments for alopecia areata. Topical medications, such as corticosteroids and minoxidil, are associated with solutions More aggressive, such as sensitizers or injectable corticoids”, explained the expert.

The doctor also highlighted that although it is not clinically serious, the disease has a significant impact on the patient’s emotional health by affecting appearance and self-esteem. He added, “It is important for the patient to seek information. Knowing more about the problem helps to understand the progression of the disease and reduce anxiety.” Miranda also points out that proper scalp makeup can reduce the appearance of hair loss, as can wigs, hats, and scarves.

“Apart from these measures, it is very important to reduce stress and establish a self-care routine, through physical activities, breathing exercises, whatever works to help control stress,” notes the specialist. Another indication of this is that patients diagnosed with alopecia areata avoid self-medication and follow the instructions of the dermatologists they consult.

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