What is alopecia?
Alopecia areata is the general term used for hair loss; this can be a
small bald patch on the head or the loss of all hair over the entire
body. People generally shorten the name to alopecia and HeadzUp does the same.
What causes alopecia?
In Alopecia Areata the body's immune system, which usually protects the
body from diseases like measles, attacks some of the
hair follicles, at the base of each hair. These hair follicles shrink and don't
produce hair as quickly as usual and this can lead to hair loss.
Scientists don't know what causes alopecia yet but they believe something triggers the immune system to attack the
hair follicles.
Alopecia is more common in people who have
family members with asthma, eczema or other auto immune diseases such
as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus
erythematosus, pernicious anemia or Addison’s disease.
Alopecia often starts with one or more small, round, smooth
patches of hair loss on the scalp and for some people they never lose
more than one or more patches of hair.
Alopecia is unpredictable and as
the hair follicles are not damaged, the hair can grow back at any time, with or without treatment,
Who can get alopecia?
Boys, girls, women and men of
all ages and races can get alopecia.
How will it affect me?
It does not cause any
pain and won't make you sick or tired. People with the condition are generally otherwise healthy. So keep doing what you do!
You might have a bit of a time dealing with the emotional affects of alopecia. It can be quite difficult to deal with other people's reactions to your hair loss and you may feel quite down some times about it.
Talking to other young people with alopecia will help, so
join the HeadzUp Mates message board, and you can always
ask Ali P for a bit of advice or support. You might find it helpful just to read through the '
Ask Ali P' section, where other teens have posted their concerns.
If you feel very down talk to your GP, who may refer you to a counsellor.
Getting lots of fresh air and exercise is good for helping with stress and is proven to cheer us all up.
Is it catching?
No! Not at all.
Date: 21 June 2007