What is alopecia?
Alopecia is considered an
autoimmune skin disease, in which the immune system
mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in
the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the
body. It occurs in males
and females of all ages and races, but onset most
often occurs in childhood.
How many
types of alopecia are there?
There are three types of
alopecia.
1.
Alopecia areata:
It is the most common alopecia. Hair falls out in
small, round, smooth patches. The scalp is the most
commonly affected area, but the beard or any
hair-bearing site can be affected alone or together
with the scalp.
2.
Alopecia totalis:
If alopecia becomes more
extensive, it can progress to cause total loss of
hair on the head.
3.
Alopecia universalis:
Complete loss of hair on the entire head, face and body.
Is alopecia
hereditary?
Yes,
heredity plays a role. In one out of five persons
with alopecia, someone else in the family also has
it. Those who develop alopecia for the first time
after the age of thirty years have less likelihood
that another family member will have it. Those who
develop their first patch of alopecia before the age
of thirty have a higher possibility that other
family members will also have it.
What can
trigger alopecia to start?
Current research suggests that something triggers
the immune system to suppress the hair follicle. It
could be virus, trauma, diseases, stress, etc.
Could alopecia affect your daily
life?
Alopecia is not medically disabling; persons with
alopecia are usually in excellent health. But
emotionally, this disease can be challenging,
especially for those with extensive hair loss.
Is it possible to re-grow the hair?
Yes.
It is possible. No matter
how widespread the hair loss, the hair follicles
remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair
production whenever they receive the appropriate
signal. In all cases, hair re-growth may occur even
without treatment and even after many years.
