Hair Loss: What You Need to Know about Alopecia Areata

People normally associate hair thinning with age, and is usually considered more common in men. But did you know that even your child can suffer from hair loss? Read on and learn about the condition called alopecia.

Related story: The Real Deal on Postpartum Hair Loss 

 

What is alopecia?

 Alopecia, a condition which can cause patches of baldness, can affect both men and women at any age. Its onset cannot be prevented and there are no studies to prove that a healthy lifestyle can help cure the disease.

How does one get alopecia?

 “The disease has a genetic predilection, meaning there are more chances of getting it if there is a family member affected. It is, however, not infectious as no organisms are involved. Though inconclusive, extreme stress is said to trigger the condition in genetically susceptible individuals,” says Dr, Rica Mallari of the Philippine Dermatological Society. “Stress is a major factor. If there’s severe stress that occurred, usually that’s when one gets a bald patch or severe shedding.”
 

Can children get alopecia too? 

Yes. 

Dr. Mallari says that alopecia which begins at childhood is usually more difficult to treat than that which manifests later in life. Kids who suffer from this are common targets for bullying, she says, so they discuss with the parents of these children ways to avoid such scenarios and help the child come to terms with her condition (e.g., having the child wear a wig, etc). Says Dr. Mallari. “It’s so difficult to treat. It might not grow back anymore.

What are the different kinds of alopecia?

Alopecia has many types, among them are:

1) pattern hair loss or common baldness; 

2) telogen effluvium or temporary hair shedding; and 

3) alopecia areata, which is considered the hardest to treat

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune cells of the body go against the hair follicles, making the hair strands weak at the base and easy to pluck. It is characterized by bald patches on the scalp that may join together and eventually render an individual hairless. “The follicles get destroyed, so you cannot grow your hair,” explains Dr. Mallari. Alopecia areata may also attack other hairy parts of the body such as the eyebrows and pubic area. 

In the U.S., alopecia occurs in one in every 200,000 in the U.S., but it’s a different story in the Philippines, says Dr. Mallari. “In the clinics, [alopecia areata] is one of the top three [conditions that patients go to us for]. And for those who have it, usually one in five has a family member [who is also] affected.”

 

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What are its symptoms?

Alopecia areata is generally asymptomatic – the patient is often unaware of his bald patches because there are no symptoms like pain or itching -- although some complain of a tingling sensation before a patch appears. “Suddenly, it appears—shiny, bald patches on the scalp, or it can appear in any other part of the body,” says Dr. Mallari. “[These bald patches] can [also] appear on the arm or on the legs.”

Can it develop during pregnancy?

Yes.

“There are some who have abnormalities of the nails [and] hair, and some people who have defects in the teeth, because while the baby is in the womb, the hair, the skin, the nails and the teeth all develop together,” adds Dr. Mallari. 

How can it be treated?

“There are a number of treatments and products for different types of alopecia, depending on the case,” says “It is important that the affected individual seek help from an expert so that the condition can be evaluated and proper advice can be given,” said Mallari.

Among the products available in the market today is Novuhair, a product of line that includes a shampoo, conditioner, and a topical solution. Novuhair is made from all-natural ingredients, including moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil, as well as the essential oils of rosemary, peppermint and lavender. Collectively, these ingredients help improve blood circulation and increase nutrient flow to the scalp. This stimulates hair growth and aids in the prevention of excessive hair fall. It also alleviates scalp itching and prevents hair-graying, ultimately improving the overall health and appearance of the scalp and hair.

Just recently, Novuhair introduced its newest endorser, singer-songwriter Abby Asistio.

Growing up with alopecia

Abby Asistio knows how it is like to live without hair. She has suffered from alopecia areata since age 5, and until recently, has lived bald under wigs, hats and bandanas. 

Abby lived through the entire process of experiencing hair fall: losing it little by little, even with the use of other hair loss remedies from the U.S., and then deciding to shave it all completely. 

She was just starting to finally embrace her “baldness” when, upon prodding from family and friends, Abby decided to give Novuhair a try. She experienced remarkable results in just a few months of regular use. 

“It was the first time since I was diagnosed with the disease that I actually saw hair growing on my scalp,” remarked Abby. “I have found my purpose and hope I can continue to inspire others with my story and music.  I realize now that more than a disease, I have been given a gift to impart my testimony. Indeed, one must never give up hope.” 

For more information on Novuhair, visit its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NovuhairOfficial. 

Next story: Lauat: The Natural Remedy to Falling Hair 

Main photo from gladchildhood.blogspot.com