Alopecia is a form of hair loss and is actually the most common autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and it causes complete or partial hair loss. Alopecia actually means “hair loss.”
It can be a distressing condition, as overnight, round patches of hair can fall out and it affects both young and old. In some cases the hair can grow back, but in many cases it falls out again or never returns.
This unpredictable condition can impact people who are otherwise healthy and although it is not contagious, if parents have Alopecia then children are more likely to experience Alopecia. However, studies are inconclusive about the specific genes that cause Alopecia. In fact evidence suggests that it is caused by an interaction of multiple genes, hence why it is a condition that can come and go.
It is not exclusive to the hair on the top of the head, but can affect the eyebrows, eyelashes and even nose hairs. Various forms of Alopecia exist and the rarest form is Alopecia Universalis where the whole body becomes hairless.
Besides leaving people potentially bald, Alopecia can have profound psychological impacts – destroying confidence and increasing anxiety.
What are the signs of Alopecia?
Alopecia can be unforgiving and relentless, targeting any age, gender and stage of life. However, it is common to experience when young and have recurring spouts as you progress.
The hair follicles remain alive, it is just that the body is not sending the correct signals and hence they are inactive.
Round patches of baldness on the scalp can occur overnight with Alopecia, but gradual hair loss or thinning is also possible. Catching the signs early can make a world of difference and can help us as professionals better assist in treatment options.
What are Alopecia Treatments?
Alopecia is a complex condition and there is no conclusive cure, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope!
Catching thinning hair and loss of hair early can help you tackle the problem.
It is important if you suffer from this problem or think you may suffer from Alopecia, to discuss your options with professionals. There are various forms of hair loss treatments and not all will be ideal for your particular needs, but professionals, such as our team, will be able to work with you to choose an ideal treatment.
Young people in particular who suffer from Alopecia can feel hopeless and desperate. It can feel like you are losing a major part of your identity if you hair begins to fall out.
Our team specialises in both skin and hair treatments that improves hair health and promotes regrowth.
Our treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich-plasma) or PRH (platelet rich fibrin) are non-invasive procedures that help fight against androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata.
If you or a friend suffer from Alopecia, just know you are not alone. About 2% of the population also experience Alopecia in some form and more and more research is being funnelled to understanding the problem more. Our knowledgeable team has assisted thousands of Alopecia sufferers and we take special care to understand each individual and their needs.
Contact us for a consultation and a deeper discussion about treatment options for your Alopecia
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
https://aaaf.org.au/about-alopecia-areata/
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia
