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• What is Alopecia?
• Treat Alopecia Areata and Say Goodbye to Hair Loss
• Stress and Alopecia: Are They Related?
• Patch Alopecia, Hair Loss in Patches
• The Definition of Alopecia
• Discovering the Causes of Alopecia
• Alopecia Hair Loss Treatment: Your Options for Hair Re-Growth
• Alopecia Cures: Is there Such a Thing?
• National Alopecia Areata Foundation: The Ultimate Source for Help and Information on Alopecia Areata
• The Quest for an Effective Alopecia Areata Cure
• Scarring Alopecia
• Female Alopecia
• Alopecia Wig
• Alopecia Treatment
• Alopecia Symptoms
• Alopecia Support Groups
• Alopecia in Women
• Alopecia in Children
• Alopecia Areta
• Alopecia Areata Causes

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Scarring Alopecia

March 29th, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

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Scarring alopecia is a very rare case of alopecia.  Only around 3% of people suffering from hair loss are actually diagnosed to have it.  However, anyone can be affected by it, even those who are relatively healthy.  At times, it is also termed as cicatricial alopecia.  It is very essential to have this correctly diagnosed as it may be an indicator of more serious conditions like chronic lupus erythematosus, in which other bodily organs may also be affected. 

There are several forms of scarring alopecia.  However, the most common one is that which is characterized by permanent degradation of the follicles of hair leading to non-reversible hair loss.  It may begin from balding only of several patches of the scalp which eventually may lead to complete baldness.  In certain cases, though, the thinning of hair comes very subtly.  Thus, it may go on for a long time without even being noticed and treated.  In majority of cases, the common symptoms are terrible itching, burning feeling on the scalp, and unexplainable pain which get worse with time.

Physical examination of the scalp can sometimes lead to a correct diagnosis of scarring alopecia although it would be best to undergo several biopsies of the skin.  These will show if there are any destruction of the hair follicles, scar tissues deeply embedded in the skin, and occurrence of any inflammation of or around the hair follicles. 

The symptoms go away after some time.  When biopsy is done again, it may show that there are no inflammations anymore.  However, more often than not, the baldness caused cannot be remedied anymore. 

Female Alopecia

March 25th, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

It is very rare for a woman to have hair loss because hair loss patterns always apply on men. But some women suffer from hair loss too.  This condition is called female alopecia. These can be inherited or it sometimes appears when a woman reaches the menopausal period or earlier.  The hair follicles in females somehow shrink and it becomes very dysfunctional causing hair loss.

When you have female alopecia, there is a thinning hair along the crown and sometimes in the frontal scalp. Just these parts suffer from hair loss, no total hair loss found in many patients because that is very rare to happen. 

This condition can be permanent.  If it is ok with the female to have this condition, there is really no required treatment at all.  But as the saying goes “the hair is every female’s crowning glory. I think female alopecia does matter. Our hair, especially for the girls makes up our whole appearance.

When you notice that your hair is thinning, you should carefully watch over it before it gets worse.  When scalp appears because of the hair loss, you can use some other hair accessories to hide it.  Always make sure that you do not expose your hair to direct sunlight.  Always wear aprotective hat or bring an umbrella with you always. 

The most approved topical cream for female alopecia in the US is minoxidil.  It is available over the counter and promises good results.  Among the female using this, they found it to be very effective for hair loss despite the fact that it is kind of expensive. 

Always have proper self care when you have this condition.  Always find way to stop hair loss.  Consult your doctor to give you the proper medication.  Always remember, your hair greatly improves your appearance, so take care of your hair to prevent hair loss.

Alopecia Wig

March 21st, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

It is but a part of human nature to crave to always look good. Certainly, the physical appearance is given a high regard wherever you go–be it in the corporate world, bars and clubs, schools, and the likes. And as it is often said, the hair is one’s crowning glory, so to speak. When you get struck by alopecia, a condition wherein the hair may be completely or partially lost, how can you achieve the so-called good look? Both men and women alike get conscious when they go bald so the best resort that they turn to is to secure an alopecia wig.

An alopecia wig is typically used to conceal balding although some other trendsetters prefer to make use of them for the sake of fashion. Similarly, you can apply some fashion sense with your alopecia wig if you want to. They do come in various colors and types.

The Perfect Fit

So that your alopecia wig will look as if it is just your ordinary hair, you can request that it be cut along your own hairline.  It is indeed a terrible ordeal when your wig gets suddenly taken off as you move about.

The Natural Image

Some wigs appear dull and dry. You can create a difference with yours. Have an authentic hair sewn into your alopecia wig and people will never have the slightest idea that you are just faking it.

Style it!

Alopecia wigs can be styled too. Wear them in ponytails or curl them whenever you want. Also, you can take a pick at the various colors and length that may mix and match with your outfit.

Why worry about alopecia when in fact you can always look at the brighter side? With alopecia wigs, you can always feel beautiful inside and out.

Alopecia Treatment

March 18th, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

Ever heard of the term alopecia? Well, it stands for the condition wherein a person suffers from partial or complete hair loss. The affected parts range from the eye brows, eye lashes, and other bearded areas. Alopecia can befall anyone, male and female alike despite the age or race. Studies show that alopecia commonly strikes during childhood until the early adulthood phase. Hence, an approximate of seventy percent of the male populace and forty percent of the women population are likely to deal with this condition at some time in their own lives.

Two of the major kinds of alopecia are androgenetic alopecia which is better known as male pattern baldness and the traction alopecia which is common in women who often wear tightly done hairstyles like that of braiding.  

For the males, alopecia is usually brought about by genetic factors. Otherwise, the condition is also affected by aging. There is still hope for those who suffer from it since the alopecia treatments are now widely available. They range from the prescription pills, topical lotions, and then hair transplant surgery. The orally taken antibiotics as a form of alopecia treatment include Clindamycin and Rifampin. Other treatments that may be undertaken are topical corticosteroids, therapy, zinc sulfate, fusidic acid, and the FDA approved hair loss treatments namely Rogaine and Provillus.

Yes, there are the side effects that need to be anticipated. Your body may not react comfortably to the alopecia treatment so it is always wise enough for you to discuss them with your physician.

Alopecia Symptoms

March 14th, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

Alopecia is a kind of disease where skin with hair is affected.  The scalp is most vulnerable to this.  This may come in various forms although, in general, it can be classified into two:

1.    Scarring Alopecia.  This is characterized by falling off of hair follicles which leads to non-reversible hair loss.  

2.    Non-scarring Alopecia.  This is characterized by falling off of the shaft of the hair but not the follicles.  Thus, hair can still regrow.  However, when not diagnosed timely or early, it may develop into scarring alopecia.  Alopecia areata is a common subtype of this which is when bald patches appear on the scalp or on other parts of the body with hair.  

The symptoms are strongly dependent on the type of alopecia.  Nevertheless, these are the common symptoms among the many types:

•    Itching of the affected skin or scalp.  This happens prior to the first hair fall related to this condition.    

•    Severe hair loss.  Hair loss is not gradual.  It may start with a few strands but gets more with time.  The increase in the amount of hair loss happens in very short intervals.  

•    Occurrence of round bald patches.  The rest of the area or scalp has hair except these patches.  There are several of these at one time.  At times, there may be small, thin strands of hair on the patches.  

•    Discoloration of the nails and rough edges.  The color of the nails is not balanced.  The edges are also cracked a bit and there are dents.  

It would be wise to consult a dermatologist as soon as these symptoms are observed for further examination.  The sooner the condition is identified and treated, the more the chances that the hair will grow back. 

Alopecia Support Groups

March 11th, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

Since alopecia is a condition that can affect any person, regardless of age, gender, and cultural background, there have been several support groups put up to help people undergoing this condition.

Alopecia in itself can be considered as not so serious.  Various treatments are available when properly diagnosed and, in fact, a lot of people can attest that sometimes even without treatment, hair goes back to normal.  However, these support groups have been formed primarily because this condition can have a lot of social implications.  People, by nature, are very much concerned about physical appearance.  Alopecia, since it is characterized by thinning of hair, appearance of unsightly bald patches on the head or on other parts of the body, or complete baldness, can really have a negative impact on appearance.

A good number of these support groups are internet-based.  These facilities provide online support via chat, email, forum, and discussion and information boards.  It allows for a better understanding of the condition through information dissemination as well as explanation against possible misconceptions.  People also get to interact with others who may have gone through it before and learn from them.  There are usually links to other helpful sites as well. 

There are also various non-profit organizations in the US which help provide wigs or other forms of hair enhancements to financially-challenged people who are suffering from long-term alopecia.  Certain groups are also meant to support children with alopecia. 

These support groups may be easily searched online.  Some doctors also give referrals to their patients.  Indeed, there is no need to be alone in fighting this condition.

Alopecia in Women

March 8th, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

Identifying the causes and treatment of hair loss in women may not be as simple as identifying the same condition in men.  This is primarily because there are many potential factors to consider and sometimes, the causes may be underlying and not obviously seen. 

A scale termed as Ludwig scale has been used by researchers to be able to classify clearly the various forms of hair loss in women.  Female Androgenetic Alopecia is one type identified through this although there are still many others. 

This kind of alopecia in women is commonly occurring during instances of hormonal change such as the beginning and end of intake of birth control pills, postpartum period, or pre-menopausal periods.  It begins as a simple thinning of hair at the top of the head which becomes more severe with time.  On the average, women do not get completely bald although the thinning will become more and more obvious.  

Another type of alopecia in women is termed as Female Alopecia Areata.  This condition is characterized by the appearance of round bald patches on the scalp.  This is an immune system disorder wherein the hair follicles are actually being attacked by one’s own body which leads to hair loss.  Such behaviour of the immune system is not given clear explanation yet although thyroid diseases are said to lead to it.  Women’s chances of having this kind of disorder is just the same as that of men and children.

Some women can attest that hair grows back on its own after a while without any treatment.  However, in severe cases, intake of steroids may be necessary to stimulate hair regrowth.  

Alopecia in Children

March 5th, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

Alopecia is essentially hair loss which can either be partial or complete.  Partial hair loss is commonly characterized by patches on the head if the scalp is the one affected.  This is commonly called alopecia areata.  On the other hand, complete hair loss of the scalp is called alopecia totalis.  If the whole body is affected, it is termed as alopecia universalis. 

These conditions can affect anyone although cases are most common among young adults and children.  However, one must be careful in distinguishing between normal and abnormal loss of hair.  It should be taken into consideration that with the development of hair, occasional hair loss may be observed from time to time.  Likewise, hair loss among children may indicate various health conditions which must be diagnosed early and accurately. 

Normally, it would be difficult for children to be able to identify themselves if they are experiencing abnormal hair loss or not.   This is mainly because self-awareness is not yet exactly there.  This is where parents should come in.  They should at least be familiar with the common variations of hair types that may be observed in children.   However, although children are not yet self-conscious, parents must be very careful in handling the situation should alopecia be proven to be an existing condition.  When wrongly dealt with, self-pity or unnecessary social anxiety may be experienced by the child which are obviously not going to help resolve the condition. 

There are various treatments available for alopecia in children.  However, these treatments must not be used without prior allergy tests as children may be a lot more sensitive than adults. 

Alopecia Areta

March 2nd, 2008   Filed Under Uncategorized  

Alopecia areta is a disease leading to baldness of certain spots on the scalp.  Hair loss may also affect other parts of the body but the scalp is most common.  In the US, around 2% of the population is said to have suffered at some point in their lives from alopecia areta. 

This is a disease mainly associated to the immune system, which is said to attack the hair follicles, specifically the root, which is why hair goes off and does not grow back.  The cause of this particular behaviour of the immune system is not yet clearly defined by studies in the past although it is said to have strong relation to heredity.  Around 20% of people with alopecia areta have relatives who also had the same condition. 

Alopecia areta may affect any person in the world, regardless of gender or ethnic background.  Young adults and children are most commonly affected, although the possibility is still there for all ages. 

This condition begins as a small, coin-size patch on the scalp.  Eventually, these patches increase in size and number.  There are usually no earlier symptoms, although some patients complain of scalp or skin itching before the occurrence of the patch.  In some people, even the nails are affected.  In these cases, the edges of the nails become crooked and dented. 

Commonly, a dermatologist would be able to tell with simple examination of the scalp if it is indeed alopecia areta.  However, a biopsy of the scalp would be more accurate and can further confirm the results of the examination.