An overview: Alopecia

Alopecia [pronounced al-oh-PEA-sha] 

Alopecia is a general term for many types of hair loss. One British resource organization describes Alopecia as "a hair loss disease that affects men, women and children." You may also see it being termed - Alopecia areata. We must be mindful that hair loss in this sense does not only mean the loss of hair on the scalp, but from other hair-bearing areas on the human body. 

Alopecia sufferers may go through a range of emotional changes as it may also affect their way of life. It is said that teenagers who have alopecia have to deal with the idea and fact that there will be persons who will stare at them or say unkind things about and to them. Even children who might have a good self-image may come to feel at times sad or may withdraw from regular daily activities.

Alopecia areata also refers to non-scarring hairloss. It is not life threatening, although it might be occurring due to some other conditions that might be present in the body; such as: allergic disorders, thyroid disease. 

(Source)
Image of someone with AA

For some people, it might start with a few strands of hair having fallen out in the bathroom sink. Others still, probably cannot pinpoint the exact date nor how many times it has occurred. In other words, its "onset might be sudden, random and frequently recurring."

How might it look?

Usually someone suffering with Alopecia areata will notice one or more round, patchy areas of hair loss.

But, what causes it?

There is much evidence to suggest that Alopecia is caused by an abnormality in the human immune system. A normal and correctly functioning immune system is the body's line of defense against viruses and bacteria. In an abnormally functioning immune system, it switches into a totally different gear and begins to attack its own body; in this case, it attacks the hair follicles. This attack disrupts normal hair growth. 

(Source)
The Hair Structure

You see, our hair goes through different stages. Hair's first phase is the anagen stage which is the growth stage. The longer human hair remains in the growth stage the longer and faster it grows. The second stage is the catagen stage, where the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of its normal length. The telogen stage is the final phase. During this phase there is no growth and is called the resting phase. However, the hair remains attached to its follicle. At the end of this phase (about 6 wks later), hair is meant to come out of resting and return to the anagen stage. It would appear that in autoimmunity, hair growth is halted because the hair follicles are severely damaged and no longer function as they ought to. This is where a person might see extreme shedding. Only when the agent  (T-lymphocytes) stops attacking the hair follicles, will new hair grow again.

Is it hereditary?
Research indicates that passing the gene on is possible. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) indicated that, "Alopecia areata often occurs in families whose members have had asthma, hay fever, atopic eczema, or other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, early-onset diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, or Addison's disease."


Are there different types of Alopecia?

Yes, there are.
Alopecia Areata (AA): Used to describe hair loss occurring in patches anywhere on the body.

Alopecia Totalis (AT): Total loss of the hair on the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis (AU):Total loss of all hair on the body.

Alopecia Barbae: Loss of facial hair (for a man) especially in the beard area.

Alopecia Mucinosa: A type of alopecia which results in scaley patches.

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): Also known as male pattern baldness. It is a thinning of the hair to an almost transparent state, in both men or women. It is thought to be a hereditary form of hair loss.

Traction Alopecia: Traction alopecia is usually due to excessive pulling or tension on hair shafts as a result of certain hair styles. It is seen more often in women, particularly those of East Indian and Afro-Caribbean origin.

Anagen Effluvium: This hair loss is generally caused by chemicals such as those used to treat cancer. Initially it causes patchy hair loss, which often then becomes total hair loss. 

Scarring Alopecia: A form of alopecia which leaves scarring on the area of hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium: A form of hair loss where more than normal amounts of hair fall out. 

What about treatment options?

Some people's hair will grow back and other's might not. However, alopecia cannot be cured but it can be treated. Treatment options include inter alia:

• Cortisone injections/pills
• Minoxidil
• Anthralin cream/ointment
• Wearing hats, a wig or headwrap
• Using makeup to hid hair loss or scarring

I hope this information is useful to you or maybe you can share it with a loved one.

Thanks so much!

Natz

Resources

Alopeciaonline.org.uk

National Alopecia Areata Foundation