What is the Difference Between Androgenic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata?

Androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata are two different types of hair loss disorders with distinct causes and characteristics:

Androgenic Alopecia:

• Also known as pattern baldness or common baldness, it is caused by the heightened sensitivity of scalp follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone present in both males and females.
• It is a genetic condition and tends to run in families.
• Hair loss is diffused and occurs all over the scalp.
• Common treatments include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and hair transplant surgery.

Alopecia Areata:

• An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
• It has both a genetic and environmental component, with genetic variants associated with a heightened immune response and susceptibility to autoimmune disorders.
• Hair loss is patchy, typically occurring in multiple patches on the scalp.
• Alopecia areata can progress into other forms of alopecia, such as Alopecia Totalis (total loss of hair on the head, including brows and lashes) or Alopecia Universalis (total hair loss all over the body).
• Common treatments include topical corticosteroids, anthralin (dithranol), and immunomodulating agents like methotrexate or cyclosporine.

In summary, androgenic alopecia is a genetic, hormone-related condition that causes diffused hair loss, while alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that results in patchy hair loss. The causes and treatments for these two types of hair loss are different, and it is essential to identify the correct diagnosis to provide appropriate treatment.

Comparative Table: Androgenic Alopecia vs Alopecia Areata

Here is a table comparing Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata: