Alopecia Areata is a cause of hair loss in both men and women. That can affect quite a high percent of the population at some time during their life span.
During my years as a hairstylist I have noticed small alopecia areata patches on quite a few of my clients. These small hairless patches can go unnoticed by the client and I won’t mention them. But I will keep an eye on them and check when the client next visits the salon. Generally the hair grows back again within a few months.
There is no age barrier to this type of alopecia. I have seen a teenage school girl lose all of her hair over a few months period due to alopecia areata. This was a very challenging emotional period for her. She eventually came through when her hair started to grow again. In fact I have never seen some one so excited To see the first few fine hairs re growing on her scalp.
Today media dictates what the perfect head of hair should look like. Both for male and female. This can cause stress and depression if you happen to be losing your hair. The thought that other people may notice.
What Is Alopecia Areata.
Alopecia areata is a falling out of the hair in small circular random patches. Generally these patches will be just a couple of centimeters or less in size. With the scalp in this area feeling very smooth like a billiard ball.
Alopecia areata is unpredictable and random. You may find your hair growing back and then falling out once again. It does vary from person to person.
If you are suffering from Alopecia areata the good news is. The patches in most cases generally remain few. Your hair will probably regrow without any treatment at all.
But at times in the worst case scenario the patches may enlarge and merge.
What Is The Cause?
The exact cause of alopecia areata is not known. But it can often follow a very stressful period in your life.
Now this can be a problem. As now losing your hair can be stressful. Yet the more you stress the worse the situation of your hair fall.
It is also thought there is a link if a family has a history of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
The hair loss occurs when your immune system which is meant to protect you from disease. Mistakenly starts attacking your hair follicles from which the hair grows.
These follicles become smaller and stop producing hair. Usually not permanently. Which means your hair can grow back after a while.
Treating Alpocia Areata.
As it is not known why Alopecia areata happens there is at present no known cure.
There are treatments that may help to grow your hair. Products containing minoxidil such as Regaine may be rubbed into the scalp.
Another treatment is to plump for steroid injections. Tiny needles are used to inject the steroids around the bare patches on your scalp. If successful hair could appear within a few weeks.
Remember though this treatment will not prevent new patches from appearing.
An Important Point To Keep In Mind.
These treatments have their place. But it must not be overlooked that if stress is a major cause of the problem. All efforts must be made reduce the stress.
