There are numerous causes which can bring about hair loss in both men and women. Alopecia areata is the most common hair loss condition which affects more than five million men and women in the US alone.
Alopecia areata is the result of your immune system attacking your hair follicles, which causes the hair to die and fall out. It typically affects teenagers up to the age of 20, but both children and adults can also be affected. Hair usually falls out in small patches and more often than not it grows back. However, there is a risk of experiencing permanent hair loss in about 10 percent of the those that suffer from it.
Typical Causes of Alopecia Areata
Medical professionals aren’t exactly sure what causes our immune systems to kill the hair follicles. But, people who have already got other autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes often suffer from it. Genetics may also be the culprit.
Kinds of Alopecia Areata
There are several types of this autoimmune disease. Scarring alopecia is brought on due to an inflammation of the hair follicles, and can be permanent. Male pattern baldness is also a kind of alopecia, and usually results in typical baldness patterns. Female pattern baldness behaves in the same way and usually shows up in menopausal women.
Risks of Permanent Hair Loss
Those who suffer from alopecia, will be at an elevated risk of permanently losing their hair if it’s genetic and others in their family have already got the condition. Other factors affecting hair loss and regrowth is how early in age you experience the disorder, the presence of other autoimmune illnesses, when you have allergies and if the hair loss becomes extreme.
Do You Have Alopecia Areata?
Some other common signs and symptoms, besides hair loss, are fingernails and toenails that appear pitted or take on the characteristics of sandpaper. However, it is recommended that you get a professional opinion from your medical doctor. A doctor can do a test analysis of your hair and additionally take a blood test to confirm your cause of hair loss.
Is There a Cure for it?
Today, there isn’t a known cure for alopecia. But, there are multiple proven hair restoration solutions readily available to men, women, and children no matter the cause of hair loss.
At Custom Hair Tampa Bay, we use high-quality medical wigs, which can alleviate the added stress of patients worrying about their appearance due to hair loss. To schedule a free consultation at one of our three locations click here.
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Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/alopecia-areata-topic-overview
http://www.healthline.com/health/alopecia-areata
http://www.alopeciacure.com/typesofalopecia.html