Health Tip: Understanding Alopecia Autoimmune disease causes bald patches on scalp Updated: 4/26/2007 3:28:59 PM Print Article Email Article           (HealthDay News) -- Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune cells to attack hair follicles. The result is hair loss, often in patches across the scalp. Research indicates the disease may be genetic, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says. The bald patches normally are about the size of a quarter. In some people, however, hair loss may be more severe and even lead to total baldness. While there is no universal treatment for alopecia, corticosteroids, minoxidil (Rogaine), and some medications used to treat psoriasis may help stimulate hair growth among people with alopecia, the institute says. -- Diana Kohnle Copyright © 2006 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Vitamin D Status Not Associated With Low... Men With Low Testosterone Not Receiving ... Gene Therapy May Treat Erectile Dysfunct... Docs Issue Guideline on Screening for Os... Testosterone Levels Among Financial Trad... Elevated Urate Levels May Slow Parkinson... Male Partner Violence Hurts Women's Heal... U.S. Syphilis Rate Grows for 7th Year in... Health Tip: Boys and Body Image One-Third of HIV-Infected Gay Men Have U... Obesity Rates Leveling Off Among U.S. Ad... Farming, Fatherhood Hallmarks of Men Who... Having Lots of Kids Helps Dads Live to 1... Health Tip: Prevent Athlete's Foot For Health Info, Women Often Turn to the... Health Tip: Hernias in Children Health Tip: Paternal Bonding Girls Who Like Dad Favor Partners Who Lo... Male U.S. Veterans More Likely to Commit... Health Tip: Women Have Pattern Baldness,...

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