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Baldness is a much-feared medical issue today. Almost 50% of men and women experience hair loss today, according to NIH.
Even with these statistics, not all types of hair loss are permanent.
You can avoid hair loss by following healthy hair habits and by educating yourself on Alopecia, its types, and how to combat it.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a sudden loss of hair on the scalp, body, eyelashes, eyebrows, or even beard.
It is a condition that can affect anyone.
The hair loss patch that happens due to Alopecia can be coin-sized or even happen all over the body.
It is a myth that it only affects men or cannot happen to young people.
Therefore, it becomes important to familiarize yourself with Alopecia.
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia can be classified into several different types according to its symptoms.
These are the types of Alopecia:
Androgenic Alopecia
It is the most common type of hair loss in all genders. It is also called male pattern baldness for men and female pattern baldness in women.
Men with this type of Alopecia may go partially or completely bald.
In women, Androgenic Alopecia will not cause complete baldness. However, it may lead to the shedding of hair along the part. The hairline does not recede, in any case.
The leading cause of Androgenetic Alopecia lies in the genes of the person with it.
Alopecia Areata
Source: Getty Images SignatureIt is a type of autoimmune disease.
Alopecia areata is also known as patchy baldness.
Alopecia Areata can cause bald patches anywhere on the body. For most people, it appears on their scalp in a round or oval pattern.
In Alopecia Areata, the immune system will start attacking your hair follicles.
Medication options for Alopecia Areata include:
- Topical Immunotherapy
- The Dermatologist gives steroid shots
- Medications to put on the bald spots
- Oral JAK inhibitor, which you can take once a day
Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is a condition that can make you lose all the hairs on your scalp.
The treatment chances for Alopecia Totalis are better the sooner it is detected and managed.
You can use the same strategies for combating Alopecia Totalis you used for Alopecia Areata.
However, if the case is severe, immunosuppressive therapy such as Prednisone and Methotrexate may also be helpful.
Traction Alopecia
You can develop Traction Alopecia if you put too much stress on your hair by wearing tight hairstyles.
These hairstyles can be tight buns, dreadlocks, hair extensions, weaves, braids, or even tight ponytails.
It would be best if you switched to less-harming hairstyles or even rotate hairstyles to conserve your hair in such a case.
Hair transplantation can also be used in chronic cases.
However, it is best to catch Traction Alopecia early and change the hairstyle.
It is a scarring type of Alopecia where inflammation occurs.
Cicatricial Alopecia
It is a scarring type of Alopecia where inflammation occurs.
Although the reason for Cicatricial Alopecia is not apparent yet, it is commonly observed in people with tight hairstyles.
Its treatments include topical, oral, and injected medicines.
Symptoms of Alopecia
As Alopecia can destroy one’s self-esteem, it becomes crucial to educate yourself on the symptoms of Alopecia.
The symptoms of Alopecia vary according to the gender and the age of the person affected by it.
Accordingly, we have subdivided the section below to include symptoms of Alopecia in people assigned the gender male and female at birth and in children.
Alopecia in men
The hair fall in males begins from the front hairline and moves backward to form an M shape.
The circular area on the vertex thins and expands in size over time to become U-shaped around the sides of the head and a bald area on the back of the head.
Alopecia in women
Female pattern baldness is one of the most common hair fall causes in women. It begins from the top and crown of the head, and the widening starts from the central hair part.
This pattern of hair loss is also known as the Christmas tree pattern.
The frontline remains unaffected by the hair loss, which may recede a little for everyone as time passes.
In women, Alopecia will rarely make the lady completely bald.
If the cause of hair loss is androgens, the hair on the head becomes thin, while the hair on the face becomes coarse.
Alopecia in children
Also called Paediatric Alopecia, it refers to the process of hair fall in children.
Hair shedding in children can happen due to different reasons, and its symptoms are as given below:
- Tinea capitis
It leads to round or oval bald spots on the child’s head due to fungal infection.
The hair may be broken in those regions, leading to black spots. - Alopecia Areata
It leads to smooth, round or oval patches of skin on the child’s head. - Trichotillomania
It leads to hair falling in patches and broken hairs. - Telogen effluvium
Hair sheds excessively in it and may lead to partial or total baldness.
Source: Getty ImagesCauses of Alopecia
There are many causes of Alopecia, but the most common reason for it is genes.
Stress, medical issues like cancer, and hormonal changes can also lead to Alopecia.
There are several types of Alopecia, as detailed below:
Heredity
Heredity is the most common reason for Alopecia in people.
Most men and women who suffer from Alopecia have parents who also suffer from Alopecia.
Hormonal changes and health issues
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can cause Alopecia as well.
For instance, an underactive and overactive thyroid can result in hair loss in people.
Medications and supplements
Medications for certain conditions can also cause Alopecia. These conditions include depression, high blood pressure and cancer.
Stress
Telogen effluvium is a type of Alopecia that occurs due to stress and traumatic events in one’s life.
Too much stress can loosen hair from its roots, resulting in excess hair fall.
Tight hairstyles
Traction Alopecia is caused due to tight hairstyles such as pigtails and dreadlocks.
Hot oils and even specific hair treatments can also result in Alopecia.
Treatment for Alopecia
Even if you do have Alopecia, there are some treatment courses you can pursue to treat your Alopecia.
The treatments you can use are as follows:
Topical Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medicine.
It is applied to your scalp. It supplies blood to your hair follicles and helps hair growth by stimulating dormant hair cells.
You can get it from WowRxPharmacy.
Corticosteroids
You can take Corticosteroids either as injections or in oral form.
They work by suppressing the body’s immune system, which attacks the hair follicles in Alopecia Areata.
It hence encourages hair regeneration in people with Alopecia and reduces inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections
These are primarily used for Alopecia Areata when hair loss is mild to moderate.
These injections are injected where hair loss encourages hair growth.
Oral Corticosteroids
The oral form of Corticosteroid is used chiefly during moderate to severe Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis.
Although the injection form is more effective than the oral form, we can use the oral or topical form of Corticosteroids to help with hair regrowth.
Topical immunotherapy
It is helpful with extensive Alopecia Areata, including Alopecia Universalis and Alopecia Totalis.
In topical immunotherapy, chemicals are directly applied to the scalp to encourage an allergic reaction.
This makes the immune system aid hair growth.
Hair transplant surgery
In a hair transplant, hair taken from where it is dense is transplanted into a region where it is sparse.
However, it is not an option for everyone, and you should consult your dermatologist to check if you are eligible for it.
Also note that hair transplant surgery may not be covered by your insurance.
Low level laser therapy
It is an FDA-approved therapy.
You should note that more research is needed to prove its efficacy.
Preventing Alopecia
You can always take some steps to prevent certain types of Alopecia.
These steps are as follows:
Eat a balanced diet
It would be best if you ate a healthy diet to ensure that your hair gets the nutrients it needs and deserves.
According to a study, not eating enough proteins can also trigger hair loss, as proteins are the building blocks of hair.
Along with proteins, ensure to include Vitamin A, B, C and D, and Zinc and Iron in your diet.
Cope well with stress
Stress, as mentioned earlier, can also trigger hair loss.
If you have many stressors, consider making an action plan to deal with the stress.
You can also contact a therapist if it reaches an extreme level.
Manage your health well
Medical conditions like thyroid can result in hair loss. If you are suffering from specific conditions, you should be extra cautious. Monitoring your health closely for any signs of problems will also help.
Avoid hairstyles that pull your hair
Try to rotate your hairstyle often if you prefer putting your hair in a tight hairstyle.
Also, avoid tight hairstyles that stress your hair altogether.
Alopecia and Balding- What is the difference?
While Alopecia is the medical term for all hair loss problems, balding refers to a specific type of Alopecia.
Androgenetic Alopecia is seen commonly in both men and women.
In men, baldness starts from the crown and temples, while in males, it starts from the temples and vertex.
It is natural for a person to lose around 60-100 hairs in a day.
However, if the hair fall rate exceeds that number, or when the hair sheds from a particular area of the scalp in excess, it is said to be pathological hair loss.
Celebrities with Alopecia
Alopecia is a complex condition to live with. However, it does not mean you cannot live with it.
Many celebrities are living with Alopecia and are thriving despite having it.
We have given the names of some celebrities below.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith came out with her diagnosis of Alopecia in 2021. She has, since then, been sharing her journey with Alopecia online.
She tried a range of different things to hide her lost hair- from wigs to steroid treatment, but finally decided it was more freeing to be her true self.
Storytime! Hair in Hollywood ! ✨Crown Act✨ Be proud of your crown ❣️
Olivia Bentley
She first discovered a bald spot on her head when she was 16. Olivia Bentley attributes contraceptive pills as the cause of her baldness.
She used to wear wigs earlier to disguise her baldness but has now ditched the wig to show herself to the world.
Elon Musk
Alopecia can happen to anyone, including Elon Musk. Elon Musk has had at least 2 FUT procedures to restore his lost hair.
Lewis Hamilton
Using the wrong products and overwashing may also lead to hair loss, as in the case of Lewis Hamilton.
However, prioritizing your hair and using the right hair care tips can bring back your hair and help them remain healthy.
To conclude
As explained in this article, anyone of any age may get Alopecia, which can be a terrible blow to one’s confidence.
It may not sound elementary, but the fact is that it is entirely possible to live a successful life with Alopecia.
You can always look up to the various celebrities still living their successful lives after having Alopecia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alopecia an autoimmune disease?
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease wherein the body’s immune system starts attacking the hair follicles, thus halting their growth. Hair follicles are the parts of the body that lead to hair growth.
Can you die from Alopecia?
Alopecia Areata is a non-life-threatening disease and does not result in you experiencing any physical pain. Yet, it can be a devastating blow to the patient’s self-confidence.
Is Alopecia genetic?
Yes, genetics do play a significant role in Alopecia. People whose parents have it have a greater chance of having it. However, people can have Alopecia even though their parents don’t.
How common is Alopecia?
Almost 1 in 50 people will be affected by Alopecia during their lifetime. It occurs equally in all genders.
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