Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can occur at any age. It is manifested by the loss of hair in smaller areas, usually round, as it is attacked by the immune system.
Generally, alopecia areata affects the scalp, but there are cases where it also occurs in other areas of the body. Although a phenomenon of natural hair regeneration can occur, it can last quite a long time, on the order of years.
Even if, as a rule, the condition does not involve other health risks, alopecia areata often has a negative impact on self-image. In order to support these patients, the representatives of the CFR Timișoara Hospital inform them that the unit’s Outpatient Clinic is equipped with a device that helps the hair grow faster in the area affected by the disease.
“The disease is chronic, unpredictable and it is impossible to appreciate how it evolves. However, it must be stated that it is not contagious. Hair loss, which in some situations occurs over quite large areas, can be caused by a vitamin, iron or protein deficiency. It can also have hormonal causes, but most often it is the result of an autoimmune disease. The treatment stimulates hair growth. The device that we have in the Dermatology office at CF Timișoara Clinical Hospital is a state-of-the-art device that makes it possible to obtain visible clinical results. Basically, we are talking about a pain-free treatment, without incisions or ablation or laser”, says Dr. Claudia Tîrziu, dermatovenerology specialist at the CFR Hospital.
The device generates a monochromatic light that is directed to the affected area, with a predetermined energy level, depending on the patient’s condition. It is relatively small in size, being portable. Phototherapy sessions last only a few seconds.
“It is a non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive alternative, without the adverse effects of other classical treatments that have a varied therapeutic response, but also some limitations. Classic therapies can bring with them pain associated with the injection, skin atrophy, increased sensitization, but also a decrease in immunity. The advantage of the device is that phototherapy sessions last only a few seconds. Moreover, the treatment does not involve the use of injections, drugs or creams, but focuses on suppressing the T cells that are considered to be the main cause of alopecia areata. The result is healthy hair growth. Alopecia is not a life-threatening disease, but it has a major effect on its quality, even leading to depression,” says Dr. Claudia Tîrziu.
The device can also be used in other autoimmune skin diseases, including vitiligo or psoriasis.
photo: CFR Hospital
