Alopecia areata is a hair loss condition which usually affects the scalp. This type of alopecia affects both males and females. It affects nearly two percent of Americans of both sexes and of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. It is considered an autoimmune disease, therefore the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny cup-shaped structures from which hairs grow. Alopecia areata is not a life-threatening disease, but it can have psychological effects on those who have it. Alopecia research ranges from the most basic studies of the mechanisms of hair growth and hair loss in mice to testing medications and ways to apply medications to help re-grow hair in people. Any advances are sure to be appreciated by those who suffer with this hair loss condition.
The Disease
The most common type of alopecia areata involves hair loss in one or more round spots on the scalp. Alopecia areata monolocularis describes baldness in only one spot. There is also a form of more generalized thinning of hair referred to as diffuse alopecia areata throughout the scalp. With male pattern alopecia, hair loss is gradual and usually affects the thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hairs of the frontal and parietal portions. Women may experience this same disorder, called androgenetic alopecia, characterized by diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp. Androgenetic alopecia affects approximately 50% of the male population and a smaller portion of the female population. Sometimes, this disease occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes and heredity.
Possible Treatments
What is the most effective treatment for this condition? There are several different treatment options for alopecia areata. About 50% of patients' hair will re grow in one year without any treatment. However, many people suffer for longer or want instant help. Most doctors feel the dangers of any heavyweight drugs so far suggested outweigh its benefits. Although there is neither a permanent cure for alopecia areata nor safe drugs approved for its treatment, some people find that medications approved for other purposes can help hair grow back, at least temporarily. Topical corticosteroids frequently fail to enter the skin deeply enough to affect the hair bulbs, which are the treatment target, but the new low level laser therapy seems to be able to stimulate the hair follicles into action.. As with any therapy, it is best to discuss these treatments with your doctor before you try them. Both the National Institutes of Health and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation support research into the disease and its treatment. By studying how hair follicles form in mouse embryos, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of hair cycle biology that may lead to treatments for the underlying disease process.
Healthy Hair
With healthy hair, hair should only fall out when it is in its dormant cycle. Hair follicles go dormant at different times all over the scalp on a healthy head, so we see no bare patches, and hunks of hair do not come out at once. Thinning, balding or situational alopecia are not contagious, and people who have the disease are generally healthy otherwise.
There is Hope
Living with hair loss can be hard, especially in a culture that views hair as a sign of youth and good health. Even so, most people with alopecia areata are well-adjusted, contented people living full lives. Many people learning to cope find it helpful to talk with other people who are dealing with the same problems, as sometimes people with alopecia may find it difficult to meet or date others due to social phobia. Any choice for treatment options depends on the person's age and the extent of their alopecia activity. Natural supplements, herbs, scalp preparations, laser light therapies using a laser brush all can help the situation, and give one hope of having a healthy scalp and full head of hair again.
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Disclaimer: The opinion(s) expressed by the contributing author of the article reflected above is the author’s own, and we bear no responsibility for the contributing author’s opinions. We intend to provide readers with news and information. It is not intended to give personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. Acting on any information provided herein without first consulting a physician is solely at the reader’s risk.
Disclaimer: The opinion(s) expressed by the contributing author of the article reflected above is the author’s own, and we bear no responsibility for the contributing author’s opinions. We intend to provide readers with news and information. It is not intended to give personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. Acting on any information provided herein without first consulting a physician is solely at the reader’s risk.
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