Hair Loss: "A" is for Alopecia ( Post 1)

There are many different forms of hair loss. The term alopecia simply means "hair loss". It can affect both men and women, children too.

Different Types of Alopecia

Alopecia Areata: Hair loss which occurs in patchy areas on the scalp.

Alopecia Totalis: Hair loss present over the entire scalp.

Alopecia Universalis: Hair loss which occurs over the entire body, including the scalp, eyebrows, etc.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Normal genetic hair loss caused by (DHT) Dihydrotestosterone in men and hormonal factors in women.

Traction Alopecia: This refers to hair loss which occurs due to traction (stress) placed on hair. Traction Alopecia is commonly seen with pony tails, braids, and other styles that produce (pressure, tightness) traction on the scalp.

Today...let's discuss Alopecia Areata-

Alopecia Areata is the name for a condition in which round patches of hair loss appear suddenly. The hair-growing tissue is attacked by the patient's own immune cells for unknown reasons. There are commonly three (3) stages: first, there is sudden hair loss, then the patches of hair loss enlarges , lastly new hair grows back. This process may take months, sometimes more than a year . Rarely, does the hair never grow back.