September is the month of creating awareness for people who suffer from alopecia. The one-month celebration is purposely dedicated to increasing public awareness of alopecia in local communities across the U.S. This article will highlight everything you need to know about alopecia.
What Is Alopecia?
Losing hair strands is normal. Research shows that people lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. However, a higher rate of hair loss could be a result of an underlying condition, most likely linked to hormones or genetic conditions like alopecia.
Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden hair loss, which starts with either one or more bald patches. The amount of hair loss differs in everyone, and some only lose in a few areas. In most cases, the hair will grow back and eventually fall again, but for others, it will grow back for good. Alopecia occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles and may be caused by severe stress.
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptom of alopecia is hair loss. You might notice:
A lot of hair loss during cold weather.
Bald patches occur in areas with a lot of hair.
Over a short period, more hair is lost.
The developed patches may become large and lead to a bald spot.
Hair tends to grow back in one area and continues to fall out in another.
What Are the Types of Alopecia?
There are different types of alopecia. Alopecia areata is the most common, but there are other, more rare types. They include:
Alopecia areata Universalis–This is when you lose hair in your entire body.
Alopecia areata totalis–Implies loss of hair on your entire scalp.
Diffuse alopecia areata–Moderate hair loss suddenly occurs rather than the lost patches.
Ophiasis alopecia areata–Causes hair loss in asymmetric, band-like patterns.
Research shows that alopecia affects one in every 500 to 1,000 people in the U.S. This means out of the general population, nearly 2% are affected at some point in their lifetime.
Who Suffers From Alopecia?
Often, alopecia areata tends to occur in adults between 30 to 60 years of age. More research continues to show that it rarely affects young children. It is also important to note that alopecia areata is non-contagious.
Bottom Line
Alopecia can be a temporary or permanent condition and can either affect your head or the entire body. Despite alopecia not being a serious condition, it can cause a lot of sadness and anxiety. If you or a loved one is suffering from alopecia, contact us today by clicking here.
Footnotes:
Check https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/alopecia-areata to learn more about alopecia.