Recent events in Oscar have focused our attention on alopecia, the medical term for hair loss and hair loss. Comedian Chris Rock made a bad joke about the shaved head of Jada Pinkett Smith, the hairstyle she adopted in response to alopecia. Her husband, Will Smith, got angry and slapped him.
According to National Health Service (NHS) statistics, more than 8 million women in the UK are affected by alopecia. This condition often leads to a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Pinkett Smith is a Hollywood star who looks like a shaved head and can go out without problems, but not everyone can do this comfortably. Not everyone experiences this condition in the same way. The question that arises is simple: what is alopecia and can it be treated?
Understanding alopecia
Alopecia is a condition that involves losing hair not only from the head, but from the entire body. The American Academy of Dermatology (AADA) classifies it into three types, which are determined by the degree of hair loss and the affected body parts.
- Alopecia totalis The loss of all hair from the scalp.
- Systemic alopecia It is a rare condition with hair loss from the whole body..
- Alopecia areata When hair is lost with patches from the scalp, eyebrows, beard, armpits, and even ears.
This condition occurs when the immune system attacks itself and becomes an autoimmune disease. Baldness is the single symptom that characterizes alopecia. Hair loss can be a side effect of other conditions such as treatment of thyroid disorders and chemotherapy, but in alopecia it is the primary diagnosis.
What Causes Alopecia?
The factors that cause alopecia vary from person to person, as autoimmune diseases can result from genetic and / or non-genetic factors. The immune system attacks the follicles that cause hair growth in different parts of the body, resulting in bald patches of different sizes.
Genetics may explain many cases, but other factors are also responsible. Stress, tight hairstyles, poor diets, and harmful hair care products can all cause alopecia, and the chances of experiencing it increase with age.
Diagnosing the exact cause of hair loss is sometimes difficult. For example, Pinkett Smith caused her hair loss, even though she underwent several medical tests, even though stress seemed to be the most likely factor. I admitted that I couldn’t identify it accurately.
How widespread is alopecia?
According to the report, 15 out of 10,000 people in the UK are estimated to be affected by alopecia areata. the study.. Both genders have the same risk of losing hair from this condition during adolescence or adulthood.
Alopecia areata was more common in black and Hispanic women than in white, according to a 2018 study. Besides Pinkett Smith, other celebrities such as Viola Davis have lost their hair due to alopecia. This condition often manifests itself in the form of female or androgenetic alopecia.
What treatments are used for alopecia?
There is no cure Alopecia areata, The condition can be treated and its effects reduced. There are four main treatments:
- Corticosteroids An anti-inflammatory drug that can be taken orally, topically, or by injection into the scalp.
- Minoxidil Widely used for hair removal, it can stimulate hair growth in spots.
- Finasteride It is mainly used to treat hair loss in men. It reduces hair shrinkage and promotes its growth.
- Laser treatment Probably the easiest to apply.To Use a laser cap For a few minutes a day, it can stimulate hair growth in areas affected by alopecia and accelerate post-transplant healing.
The effectiveness of all these treatments depends on the ability to identify the cause of hair loss and select the appropriate treatment. For example, if stress is the main cause of hair loss, finding a way to reduce stress levels can also help with hair loss.
If hair loss is due to malnutrition, hormonal changes, or the side effects of another treatment, you should consult a medical professional who can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Keep in mind that this requires patience. As AADA says, “There are many treatments for alopecia areata, but no single treatment that works for everyone has been shown.”
Final idea
Like other types of conditions, alopecia has a variety of causes, many of which are treatable. Depending on the severity of hair loss, dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and even drug types can all be effective measures.
Choosing the right type of treatment is important and you may need help in doing this. Vinci Hair Clinic offers all new clients a free consultation with one of the hair experts. Simply contact us and schedule your appointment!
