Almost all women who experience baldness find themselves looking
in the mirror, asking "Why me?" It's not an inappropriate
question. Since childhood, us girls were taught to take pride in
our appearances. Mothers always combed our hair a certain way
and made our pony-tail's 'just right.' Suddenly, something has
changed. The hair that we took for granted is falling out. Why?
What's going on?
Current research teaches doctors that something triggers a
woman's immune system (white blood cells) to attack the body's
hair follicles. Unfortunately, this 'something' has yet to be
defined by researchers. There is no known cause for this change
in the immune system.
This disorder is known as Alopecia Areata. The condition doesn't
only occur in women. It happens to both men and women of all
ages. You're not alone! Alopecia Areata has been reported to be
found in four million people around the world.
Typically, Alopecia Areata is onset in childhood. Out of every
five people affected by the disorder, one of them has a family
history of Alopecia Areata. This information strongly suggests
that this form of baldness can be inherited. Unfortunately there
is no known measure for prevention.
Not sure you have Alopecia Areata? You should consult your
physician for prognosis and treatment. Check to see if you have
any or all of the following symptoms:
Patchy areas of hair are missing Circular bald
patches (approximately the size of a quarter) appear In
extreme cases, eyelashes, eyebrows, nasal hair, and body hair
will completely shed.
The importance of consulting a physician can not be stressed
enough. While the disorder is not a life-threatening illness,
Alopecia Areata can be very challenging on an emotional level.
Especially for women and children. It isn't something that a
person can 'learn to live with.' Support groups and counseling
are encouraged to help you develop a positive self-image.
Without treatment, a woman's hair may spontaneously grow back.
Nevertheless this process may take weeks, months, or even years!
Treatment is more effective in milder cases. Treatments come in
the form of topical creams oral medications, and/or injections.
The injections are quite painful and are usually repeated on a
monthly basis. Young women are usually advised to receive
topical treatment and apply it directly to the affected area.
Patients should bear in mind, however, that treatment is
intended to promote hair re-growth-not stop hair loss.
If you currently use a topical cream and experience itching,
dermatitis, and/or blisters, you should stop using the product
immediately. Consult your physician and describe your symptoms.
He or she may be able to prescribe a different hair loss treatment to you.
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