Is Alopecia Hair Loss Irreversible?
Some authorities estimate that two out of a hundred suffer with alopecia hair loss in one of its forms. The hair loss can range from small bald patches on one end of the scale to hair loss on the scalp, or even total body hair loss on the other end of the scale.
The biggest questions people have about alopecia hair loss are answered below:
Just what is a definition of alopecia hair loss?
Alopecia is pronounced al-oh-PEE-shah with the emphasis on PEE, the third syllable. Alopecia specifically refers to “partial or complete hair loss.” Alopecia Areata is the full title and this is often followed by other words or phrases to indicate which part of the body is affected and to what extent.
Multilocularis: A number of bald spots on the head
Barbae: Bald patches only on the beard
Totalis: No hair at all on the head and scalp
Universalis: No body hair at all
How does an individual develop Alopecia hair loss?
Alopecia hair loss affects men, women, old and young, from all races and cultures. Heredity can be a factor. Records show about 20% of sufferers have relatives who also have the same condition.
Interestingly though, records show that the parents of most of the children who suffer with alopecia hair loss did not have it themselves. And the reverse is also true, the majority of children whose parents suffer with it did not have alopecia themselves.
Alopecia hair loss is not contagious. It is classified as an autoimmune diseases meaning the body’s natural defences can turn on itself. In this case, a virus or some other environmental factor, can trigger off the sequence of events which causes white blood cells to attack the cells in the hair follicle which cause hair to grow.
The question on most sufferers’ mind it “Will hair ever grow back”?
Everyone is different. There are various ways in which a person might be affected:
Hair regrows but falls out again
Hair loss is limited to a few patches, it regrows and never falls out again
Hair is lost and then regrows with this sequence repeating itself over many years
In most cases, the regrowth is the same color as the hair before
In a few cases, the hair that regrows is white but then gradually regains its original color
So what is the remedy for alopecia hair loss?
Scientists are still trying to find a better solution but for now there are some drugs on the market which can definitely help in promoting hair growth. Included in these are:
Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is an FDA approved drug which helps combat pattern hair loss in men and women
Corticosteroids – strong drugs used to suppress the immune system
Depending on the extent of the alopecia hair loss, there are different avenues open to cope with the change in a person’s appearance. Some use scarves, hats, clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, and other accessories to hide or divert attention from the hair loss. A very useful resource is the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (alopeciaareata.com) which puts alopecia sufferers in touch with each other through a network and message board arrangement so ideas and thoughts can be shared.