Alopecia: What You Need to Know
There are a wide variety of medical conditions that can cause hair loss in both men and women of varying ages. One of the most commonly known hair loss conditions is known as alopecia areata, which affects more than five million people in the United States. If you’re reading this article, chances are you already have a few worries about your hair or know someone who does. If you are feeling down, defeated, alone or worried, we’re here to assure you that this battle does not need to be fought alone and you DO have options.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a type of hair loss where the immune system attacks hair follicles, which is where hair growth begins. Typically, the condition often affects individuals under 20 years old, although children and adults can also be affected. There are seven different types of Alopecia, all with varying severity, anatomic locations, and causes. In a select number of cases, people experience total loss of scalp and body hair.
Men and women suffering from alopecia typically note that hair falls out in small patches and can grow back after a few months; yet there are also minor risks of permanent hair loss in a small number of people who suffer from alopecia. Whether your hair loss is temporary or permanent, it’s natural to want to seek treatment.
Can Stress Trigger Alopecia?
For many patients stress can be a major contributor to alopecia. Telogen effluvium occurs when a major stressor triggers sudden and dramatic hair loss. A classic example of this is when a woman loses her hair after delivering a baby; however, telogen effluvium can occur after any major stress event from a car accident to death of a loved one. This type of hair loss is temporary, and patients typically note full re-growth of their hair over time. Hair loss can also be complicated by ongoing day-to-day stress.
How to Determine if You May Have Alopecia Areata?
The first and most obvious sign of alopecia areata can be quite disarming as it occurs with hair loss, frequently in clumps. You may also notice that you suddenly don’t have hair on your arms, or you may be experiencing hair loss on the scalp that leaves totally smooth, round hairless patches behind.
In addition to hair loss, some of the more typical symptoms include fingernails and toenails that appear and feel rough. However, if you want to ensure that you are properly diagnosed, it’s important that you visit your local physician. Your doctor will perform an analysis of your hair and also perform a blood test.
Again, an alopecia diagnosis often begins with a patient’s medical history, which includes family history and history of hair loss. Beyond visiting a doctor, hair loss specialists can perform a scalp analysis.
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