Pelade: an autoimmune disease affecting the hair

Peladia, also known as alopecia areata, is an autoimmune disease that manifests itself as localised or generalised hair loss. It affects both men and women, regardless of age, and can have a significant impact on quality of life and self-esteem. Although its exact causes remain partly mysterious, the condition is often linked to genetic, environmental and psychological factors.

What is alopecia?

Peladia, also known as alopecia areata, is an autoimmune disease characterised by localised hair loss. It affects around 2% of the world’s population, with a higher prevalence in young adults and children. Although it is not dangerous to physical health, its psychological impact can be significant.

Hair loss is caused by a dysfunction of the immune system. T lymphocytes, which are supposed to protect the body, mistakenly attack the hair follicles. This triggers an inflammatory reaction that disrupts hair growth. However, the follicles are not destroyed, leaving the possibility of regrowth.

Among the trigger factors identified are :

• Genetic predisposition: there is an increased risk if a close relative is affected.
• Environmental factors such as stress, infections or toxins.
• An association with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis or vitiligo.

Alopecia manifests itself as patches of missing hair, often round or oval, mainly on the scalp. These patches can also affect the beard, eyelashes or eyebrows. In more severe forms, it can develop into :

• Total alopecia: complete loss of hair.
• Universal alopecia: loss of all body hair.

Skin signs, such as itching or ridged nails, may accompany hair loss.

In alopecia, the hair follicles are surrounded by an infiltration of lymphocytes, preventing hair growth. However, the follicular stem cells remain intact, which explains the potential reversibility of the disease. The severity and course of the disease are unpredictable, but treatments can often slow progression and stimulate regrowth.

What does conventional treatment involve?

The treatment of alopecia is based on an approach combining medicinal therapies and psychological support. These interventions aim to slow the progression of the disease, stimulate regrowth and improve patients’ quality of life.

Corticosteroids are the standard treatment. They can be administered in the form of creams, local injections or tablets, depending on the severity of the plaques. These drugs act by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response responsible for attacking the hair follicles. However, prolonged use can lead to side effects such as thinning of the skin and redness.

Other options include:

• Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), which modulate immunity with fewer side effects.
• Systemic immunosuppressants (methotrexate, cyclosporine), reserved for severe cases.
• Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as baricitinib and ritlecitinib. These recent treatments are showing promising results, particularly ritlecitinib, which has resulted in 80% hair regrowth in 23% of patients in clinical trials.

Allopathic treatments can cause side effects: increased risk of infection with immunosuppressants, headaches or skin rashes with JAK inhibitors. Rigorous medical monitoring is crucial to assess results and adjust doses.

Hair loss can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. Psychotherapy or support groups help patients to live better with alopecia, as a complement to medical treatment.

What are the natural alternatives?

Hair loss can profoundly affect the self-confidence and well-being of those affected. While conventional treatments offer solutions for slowing down progression and stimulating regrowth, many natural alternatives are gaining in popularity because of their multiple benefits and holistic approach.

Disciplines such as phytotherapy and aromatherapy rely on plants and essential oils known for their stimulating, anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties. These natural methods aim to promote healthy hair follicles while supporting the immune system and reducing aggravating factors such as stress and nutritional imbalances.

Phytotherapy

Phytotherapeutic treatments offer a complementary approach to stimulating hair regrowth, calming inflammation and improving general well-being in patients with alopecia. Among the natural solutions,castor oil stands out for its nourishing and strengthening properties. It repairs dry, brittle hair and promotes hair growth. Similarly, pea and red clover extracts play a key role in prolonging the hair’s growth phase and strengthening its anchorage, making it more resistant.

Nutrition also plays an important role in managing alopecia. Brewer’s yeast, rich in B vitamins and trace elements, supports the life cycle of hair follicles thanks to its immunomodulating and antioxidant properties. Nettle leaf is a precious source of iron and vitamin C, ideal for strengthening hair and stimulating regrowth, especially when combined with brewer’s yeast.

Dietary adjustments can also help to limit the progression of alopecia. A diet rich in fruit, organic vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, combined with plant-based proteins, supports a balanced immune system. Reducing consumption of animal proteins and dairy products, and using extra-virgin olive oil as the main source of fat, can also improve results.

Certain traditional practices, such as applying onion juice or raw garlic to the plaques, have shown adjuvant efficacy. However, they should be used with caution to avoid irritation. Finally, plants such as valerian,hawthorn and passionflower help to reduce stress. Stress is a key factor in triggering or aggravating alopecia. This completes the benefits of an overall phytotherapeutic approach.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils are powerful allies in promoting hair regrowth in cases of alopecia. Thanks to their warming, stimulating and circulatory properties, they activate the scalp’s microcirculation. They also improve the supply of essential nutrients to the hair bulbs.

The use of essential oils diluted in vegetable oils, such as mustard oil (renowned for its warming effects), allows you to carry out frictions before shampooing. This method is made even more effective by combining mustard oil with vegetable oils such as castor, coconut or avocado to prepare oil baths or strengthening serums.

Recommended essential oils include

• Rosemary cineole essential oil is revitalising and stimulates hair growth.
• Cypress de Provence essential oil, known for its tonic and circulatory properties, improves follicle irrigation.
• Warming Bay Saint Thomas essential oil slows hair loss and encourages new growth.

A clinical study has demonstrated the effectiveness of a blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender and Atlas cedar. After seven months of daily massage applications, 44% of participants observed significant hair regrowth, compared with 15% in the placebo group.

In addition, plant oils such as castor oil , rich in ricinoleic acid, nourish the hair follicles.Jojoba oil, with its ability to penetrate hair, also prevents follicle clogging.Sesame oil, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protects the hair from external damage and promotes hair growth.

Finally, certain essential oils, such as lavender, Roman chamomile and geranium, soothe the stress and anxiety associated with hair loss. By combining their stimulating and relaxing effects, aromatherapy offers a holistic and natural solution for the treatment of alopecia.