So what is Alopecia? Alopecia is a hair loss condition that causes hair to fall out in a short period of time. This disease affects both genders both male and female also any age from children to elderly. With hair such an important part of ones confidence and appearance, a diagnosis of alopecia can be devastating. It is quite common for people suffering from alopecia to easily feel alone, depressed and avoid any conversation regarding their hair. If you want to talk about this topic to me privately you can message me via the Contact page, all conversations are never shared with third parties, just for the records. Below I have split Alopecia into two category's Temporary and Permanent, it might sound a load of gibberish, but those of you suffering or know of a loved one suffering will understand.
Temporary hair loss:
Alopecia areata tends to occur in small, round bald spots. Hair loss or bald patches usually occur on the scalp but it may also affect other areas with hair such as eyebrows, eyelashes or beard. If hair loss occurs in one spot only, usually on the head, it is known as alopeciaareata monolocularis. If hair is lost on the entire scalp, it is known alopecia totalis. If hair loss occurs on the entire body, including pubic hair, then this condition is known as alopecia universalis.
Telogen effluvium is a condition characterized by a sudden loss of hair as a result of an interruption in the normal hair growth cycle. The hair generally starts thinning and falls out of the scalp which is more noticeable when you wash or comb your hair.
Traction alopecia occurs as a result of certain hairstyles such as braids, tight ponytails, cornrows, chignons, buns or twists that are worn regularly. It is caused by pulling (chronic traction) on the hair follicle and signs of this type of hair loss involve tension headaches, itchy, red scalp, random bald patches and hair breakage around the scalp.
Permanent hair loss may be classified by the following:
Female-pattern baldness is also known as Androgenetic Alopecia. It isn't often that women experience complete hair loss, they may lose hair in patches and it usually only starts to thin at the front, sides or crown.
Male-pattern baldness is also known as Androgenetic Alopecia and usually affects men in their teens or early 20s. Androgenetic Alopecia is distinguished by hair on the sides of the head (at the temples) and balding on the sides of the head.
Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia is also known as scarring alopecia. This type of hair loss destroys the hair follicle and replaces the follicle with a scar tissue, it causes permanent hair loss. Sometimes, no symptoms are obvious and hair loss is gradual. In other cases, itching, burning or pain may occur. If the scalp is affected, some scaling and redness may be evident.
What causes Alopecia?
Factors that may contribute to alopecia include poor nutrition, certain medications, diseases such as diabetes and lupus as well as medical treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, an overactive or underactive thyroid and scalp infections like ringworms can cause hair loss.
Although there is no exact cure for alopecia, it is estimated that 50% of patient’s hair will grow back in one year without treatment. Approximately 90% of people with hair loss, hair will eventually grow back while in the other 10% of cases, only some or no hair will grow back. There are several treatment options available for alopecia ranging from corticosteroids, steroid injections, phototherapy, hair transplantation or scalp reduction. I know above I have stated no exact cure however I can recommend tips on to encourage hair growth.
- Change your diet by eating plenty of iron found in meat and liver as well as green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruit.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins in the body’s system.
- Increase your intake of vitamin supplements such as zinc and magnesium to stimulate hair growth.
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen to protect the eyes and skin from the sun and environment.
- Allow your family and friends to support you – remember that they love you just the way you are.
- Be gentle with yourself, learn to value the person on the inside rather than the outside.
- Reduce stress and anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation.
- Mix 50/50 of castor oil and almond oil on thinning areas before washing, preferably an hour or two before.
- Take the white of one egg and mix in a teaspoon of olive oil. Beat to give a paste-like consistency and apply to the entire scalp and hair. Keep it on for about 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water and a mild shampoo.
- See your GP as soon as possible and talk about: Topical corticosteroids (creams and ointments) are widely prescribed for treating alopecia areata, but their long-term benefits are not known. Also Dithranol cream.
- Aromatherapy, acupuncture and massage are often used for alopecia, but there is not enough evidence to support their use as effective treatments.
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