Hair loss can be emotionally devastating to men and women. Some cases are caused by heredity while others are caused by illness, medication and chemotherapy. One big cause of hair loss is alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own hair follicles, causing them to thin drastically. This effect prevents hair from growing on the scalp and sometimes the body. September is National Alopecia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to informing the public about the effects of the disease and treatments available to help sufferers.

Alopecia Basics

Approximately 7 million Americans suffer from alopecia. Usually beginning in childhood, the disease may cause a series of small, smooth bald patches on the scalp and other places on the body. Sometimes, the patient will only have a few small places affected, but others will experience complete scalp and body baldness. For some patients, the hair loss is permanent, although the hair can return months or years later if the inflammation subsides.

Alopecia Types

Alopecia areata presents in several forms. It may be patchy, persistent patchy, alopecia totalis, and Alopecia universalis. Each type brings a different degree of hair loss, ranging from mild to complete.

Alopecia also comes in other forms, including traction alopecia, a condition that occurs due to constant and prolonged pulling on the hair follicles. Women who keep their hair pulled tightly back in a ponytail or in braids may experience hair loss. For instance, ballerinas who keep their hair in a constant bun may be stricken with traction alopecia.

Treatment

Alopecia is difficult to treat, but there are a few things sufferers can try. For instance, corticosteroids fight the inflammation caused by the disease and lead to regrowth in some instances. A dhtSENSOR Hair Loss Treatment and Prevention program, also used for pattern baldness, helps improve hair growth in some patients. Still other sufferers try photochemotherapy to treat their symptoms.

Hair Replacement

Some patients do not want any invasive procedure but choose hair replacement options instead. Natural-looking wigs and hair systems can improve anyone’s appearance while providing flexibility. Users can have different looks and styles every day if they wish.

Some patients may choose to have both medical treatments while disguising their baldness. Wigs and hair systems can give wearers their self-esteem back while they continue to battle alopecia. 

For more information on solutions for alopecia, schedule a FREE consultation at New-U Hair Replacement Specialists today!