Dealing with hair loss can be quiet traumatizing and no one would wish to go through it. Apart from it taking a toll on your self-esteem, it can also be very stressing when you don’t know why it’s happening and what you can do to salvage the situation.
Have you heard of the term alopecia before? Probably you have heard someone mention the word but you were not lucky to know what exactly it is.
If you want to know more about this hair condition, from its causes, symptoms to treatments options, then keep scrolling.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a clinical term used to describe many different types of hair loss. Even the hair loss caused by ageing or chemotherapy is also considered a type of alopecia. The condition causes the hair to fall out in patches usually on the scalp.
Sometimes, the hair can fall out across the whole scalp and this is known as alopecia totalis. Although hair loss on the scalp is the most common, it is important to know that you can lose hair in other parts of the body such as the beard, pubic hair, eyelashes and eyebrows.
If you lose hair on both the scalp and other parts of the body, this type of hair loss is called alopecia universalis.
Since alopecia doesn’t get rid of the hair follicle, the hair can regrow in the affected areas although it can take months or years.
It is also important to know that it may not regrow at all. That is why it’s important to know the condition well to prevent its occurrence.
Early symptoms of alopecia to look out for
Signs and symptoms of alopecia can vary depending on the underlying cause, gender and age. Over the same, there are common signs that can help you to find out if you have alopecia.
For instance, a thinner ponytail for women may be a warning sign but for men, it’s pattern baldness. Other symptoms may include:
Excess hair in drain or brush
If you have noted more hair on your pillowcase, comb or when showering, you could be having alopecia. While it’s perfectly normal to lose some hair, you should get concerned if you notice excess or sudden hair loss.
It should actually be a sign enough to warrant a trip to your doctor. Early identification of the cause can help slow or stop the problem altogether.
Sudden hair loss in patches
You may notice a bald spot or a strip of hair loss within just a few days but in some cases, spots may grow very slowly and this…
Continue reading the article and learn more about alopecia on Mike Myers’ blog.