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Alopecia Areata (Balding):
Causes, Symptoms,
Hair Replacement Options
Alopecia Areata is a recurring patchy type of hair
loss. It can occur at any age and affects 1% of the
population, most commonly children. The reasons for
its development are not fully understood. Although
not life threatening, the hair loss can be
psychologically traumatic.
 Most
scientists believe Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease where
white blood cells from the immune system mistakenly
attack hair follicles and keep them from producing
hairs.
Alopecia Areata is unpredictable, and repeated
episodes are not unusual. Some cases last many years
with some regrowth in one area, while at the same
time new areas appearing. AA may also cycle through
expression and remission. When hair does start to
regrow, it tends to be of very fine "peach fuzz"
hair, eventually regaining most or all of its normal
color and texture.
The
true causes of Alopecia Areata are unknown. Except
for a family history, there are
no known risk factors for the condition. While some
researchers have considered stress as a factor in
the development of the disease, the exact role
of stressful events remains unclear. The general
consensus among published articles on the subject
suggest that stress most likely triggers a condition
already present in susceptible individuals, rather
than acting as the true primary cause.
There is neither a cure for
the disease nor drugs approved for its treatment.
In
general, treatments are much less effective for
extensive alopecia areata (particularly alopecia
totalis/alopecia universalis).
Who is Most Likely to Get This Form of Alopecia?
The
National
Alopecia Areata
Foundation reports that disease affects an estimated four million
Americans of both sexes and of all ages and ethnic
backgrounds. It often begins in childhood.
If you
have a close family member with the disease, your
risk of developing it is slightly increased. If your
family member lost his or her first patch of hair
before age 30, the risk to other family members is
greater.
Will My Hair Ever Grow Back?
There
is every chance that your hair will regrow, but it
may also fall out again. No one can predict when it
might regrow or fall out. The course of the disease
varies from person to person.
For
some individuals, the initial hair regrowth is white, with a
gradual return of the original hair color. In most,
the regrown hair is ultimately the same color and
texture as the original hair.
What Can I Expect Next?
The
course of the disease is highly unpredictable,
and the uncertainty of what will happen next is
probably the most difficult and frustrating aspect
of the disease. You may continue to lose hair, or
your hair loss may stop. The hair you have lost may
or may not grow back, and you may or may not
continue to develop new bare patches.
 How Can I Cope With the Effects of This Disease?
This is
a common question, particularly for children, teens,
and young adults.
Living
with hair loss can be hard, especially in a culture
that views hair as a sign of youth and good health.
Even so, most people with this form of alopecia are
well-adjusted, contented people living full lives.
The
emotional aspects of living with hair loss, however,
can be challenging.
Hope for Those Suffering From Alopecia and Hair Loss
Transitions International, and it's independent
member hair loss treatment and restoration centers
have helped thousands of men and women worldwide who
suffer the devastating effects of hair loss,
baldness, and thinning hair.
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TAKE
THE FIRST STEP right now.
With a
Transitions International non-surgical hair
replacement, you can shower, exercise, walk into the
wind, apply for that promotion at work... all
without worrying about your hair.
Our
skilled artistic and technical team of
hair loss provider professionals can create for you a
sensational new look or a happy "welcome back" to
your own favorite style with an individually
customized hair addition or replacement solution
that is totally natural, and completely
undetectable.
Call or email today a
Transitions hair loss center closest to you and ask
for your
FREE hair loss consultation!
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