Alopecia.... What is it, who does it affect and how can I prevent it?
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a general term for hair loss, but did you know there are several types of Alopecia. The most common are androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your hair to fall out, often in small clumps.
This condition can happen to men, women and even children. Alopecia appears as rounded bald patches anywhere on the scalp and on some instances has been known on the body too. Alopecia often develops suddenly, even over the course of a few days. Unfortunately, there is no known cure but there is speculation to be linked to stress and hormones, yet it is unknown if this is what causes alopecia. The hair condition alopecia occurs when white blood cells attack hair follicle cells, causing them to shrink and dramatically slow down hair production.
1-in-5 people with the condition have a family member who has also developed similar issues.
Can you treat alopecia?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for alopecia areata. Most hair loss does not need treatment and is temporary, or a normal part of getting older.
If you think that you may be suffering from Alopecia then the best thing to do is to speak to your GP who will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and confirm if you have the condition or not.
