Hair Loss · 3 min read
September Is Alopecia Areata Awareness Month
Raising awareness of alopecia areata: what causes it and what can be done about it.
By the Hair Solutions of Long Island specialists ·
The short answer
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss. September is dedicated to raising awareness and support. Medical treatment and natural-looking hair solutions can help.
Understanding Alopecia Areata
Many people are diagnosed with Alopecia Areata but did you know that it is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease is a breakdown of your body’s immune system. Alopecia Areata attacks the healthy hair follicles on the head resulting in patches of hair falling out. They are usually round in shape and about the size of a quarter. Some have more severe hair loss while others lose only a small. For many, it creates a host of concerns especially when it comes to self-awareness and image.
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, more than 6.8 million people have been diagnosed with it in the United States, and as many as 147 million people globally experience some form of this condition.
What Causes Alopecia Areata?
A specific reason has not yet been determined. Researchers continue studying to understand what triggers the body’s immune system to respond this way. Many studies have indicated that stress plays a significant role in the development and early onset of the condition. Stress (which can affect all people of all ages) can be a catalyst to this condition as well as hair loss in general. In these difficult times many people (most) are feeling extremely high levels of stress. Try some yoga, meditation, or some simple breathing exercises to help reduce stress. There may also be a genetic susceptibility.
What Can Be Done About It?
In some situations, people with mild symptoms (like small coin-sized area(s) of hair loss); the condition may correct itself within a few months. Sometimes corticosteroids can help. This is an anti-inflammatory treatment/drug that can help to suppress the immune system. It works to possibly reduce the frequency of flare ups or the severity of alopecia and is often given as a topical ointment, but it can also be administered orally or via an injection. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alopecia Areata and many men and women who have it will see it come and go over time. In some cases, medications and treatment options can help to reduce the flare ups but some have side effects and are only effective for a limited amount of time. Many people Alopecia Areata often see their hair grow back depending on the severity of their condition.
Frequently asked questions
Who gets alopecia areata?
It can affect anyone at any age, though it often begins in childhood or young adulthood.
Can alopecia areata be cured?
There is no cure, but many treatments help regrowth and manage flare-ups.
