Hair loss may sometimes affect otherwise completely healthy people, with good eating habits, no notable diseases or any injuries to the scalp that can explain such a loss of hair. When this occurs, it is referred to as alopecia areata. This unpredictable but common disease affects 1.7 per cent of the world population.
Although it can affect men and women of all ages, onset most often begins in childhood. In most cases the hair falls out leaving round patches of baldness spread out over the scalp and body. In some extreme and rare cases this unexplained hair loss can lead to a complete loss of hair all over the head and body. Alopecia areata that causes complete hair loss over the head is called ‘alopecia totalis’ and when it causes hair loss over the whole body it is called ‘alopecia universalis’.
Hair loss that fits this description usually re-grows on its own and never reappears. If sudden, unexplained hair loss persists, however, medical treatment is a possibility. The drugs that have been found to be somewhat effective in combating alopecia areata are various types of steroids, Propecia, Rogaine, and various immunogens (drugs that interfere with the immune system). The longer the hair loss persists, the more unlikely it becomes that re-growth will recur. Although the hair follicles remain intact during the onset of alopecia areata, the longer they are inactive, the harder it will be to produce hairs.
It is believed that alopecia areata is caused by the immune system unexpectedly and temporarily attacking the hair follicles, causing them to fall out and preventing re-growth in some cases. However, it is not known why this occurs. Because alopecia areata is mainly asymptomatic (meaning that it does not present any symptoms other than the hair loss) a medical doctor can only diagnose alopecia areata by eliminating other possibilities for the hair loss.
Although sudden, unexplained hair loss is not life threatening, it is so dramatic in the severity and abruptness of the hair loss that it often affects the mental and emotional states of its victims. Individuals who suffer from alopecia areata are likely to develop high levels of stress. For this reason, many support groups have been established in many places. If you have this type of hair loss it is a good idea to contact your local support group by contacting the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. The foundation maintains a support network that operates in countries all over the world. You can contact the foundation by visiting their website at www.alopeciaareata.com.
Alopecia areata is an unfortunate and usually psychologically devastating disease with no sure cure to date. If you think you may be suffering from this condition, you should see a medical doctor immediately to rule out any other possibilities for the hair loss. If you find that you are suffering from alopecia areata, remember that there are many research foundations trying to find a cure, just as there are many support groups that are available to you who are there to help you cope with this sudden, unexplained hair loss.