Alopecia Hair Loss- Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
Two out of a hundred persons suffer with some form of alopecia hair loss according to various estimates. Some just have small bald patches, others have complete hair loss on the scalp. In extreme cases there can be a total absence of body hair.
The biggest questions people have about alopecia hair loss are answered below:
What’s a good definition of alopecia hair loss?
For a start, let’s make sure we can pronounce the word correctly. Al-oh-PEE-shah is how alopecia is pronounced, with the third syllable PEE getting most of the emphasis. Alopecia refers to “partial or complete hair loss.” Often you see it called by it’s proper title “Alopecia Areata” and additional words may be added to indicate the severity of the condition or the specific area that is affected.
Multilocularis: A number of bald spots on the head
Barbae: Bald areas affecting just the beard
Totalis: No hair at all on the head and scalp
Universalis: No body hair at all
How does a person get Alopecia hair loss?
This condition is not limited to a particular segment of the population. It can affect males and females of all ages and races. Heredity can play a role it appears, as 20% of individuals with the condition have family members who suffer with alopecia hair loss.
Interestingly though, records show that the parents of most of the children who suffer with alopecia hair loss did not have it themselves. And the reverse is also true, the majority of children whose parents suffer with it did not have alopecia themselves.
Alopecia hair loss is not contagious. It is classified as an autoimmune diseases meaning the body’s natural defences can turn on itself. In this case, a virus or some other environmental factor, can trigger off the sequence of events which causes white blood cells to attack the cells in the hair follicle which cause hair to grow.
The main question for many is: Will hair grow back again?
Everyone is different. There are various ways in which a person might be affected:
Hair regrows but falls out again
The hair loss only affects a few patches, and then grows again for good
Hair may fall out, regrow, fall out, regrow, and so on for many years
For most people, they find the hair that comes back is the same color as the hair they lost in the first place
In a few cases, the hair that regrows is white but then gradually regains its original color
What is the solution for alopecia hair loss?
Scientists are still trying to find a better solution but for now there are some drugs on the market which can definitely help in promoting hair growth. Included in these are:
Rogaine, also called Minoxidil because of the main ingredient, is a drug designed to treat male and female pattern hair loss. It has been approved by the FDA.
Corticosteroids – powerful drugs which have the effect of suppressing the immune system
To cope with the change in appearance caused by alopecia hair loss, some sufferers use a variety of accessories including hats, scarves, clothing, cosmetics, or jewelry to skilfully camouflage the condition. Also, an organization worth noting is the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (alopeciaareata.com) which puts alopecia sufferers in touch with each other so they can exchange practical ideas, thoughts and suggestions by means of a message board system.
For answers to frequently asked questions about Minoxidil-Rogaine, click here: Does Rogaine Work? Develop a strategy for dealing with premature hair loss. Click here: Hair Loss Treatment
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