Alopecia is trending as a disease after Will Smith allegedly smacked Chris Rock for joking about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s battle with the disease alopecia. Rock’s joke: “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, cant wait to see ya!” had Jada Pinkett Smith rolling her eyes at the comment.
What is Alopecia?
The Mayo Clinic states, ” hair loss can affect just your scalp or entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can result from heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it’s more common in men”.
Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people refer to letting their hair loss run untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, make-up, hats or scarves. And still, others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes you to lose hair and often leaves little bald spots on your head. Our hair is made up of mostly protein. When our body does not have enough protein, the follicles enter the resting phase. This causes us to lose hair, and hair to become brittle and fall out.
Alopecia is both hereditary and hormonal. It affects both males and females and can happen at any age. There are many causes related to alopecia.
Causes include severe or chronic illness, thyroid disease, low-protein diets, low iron levels and improper hair care. It is also common after childbirth. If hair loss occurs, the hairs may enter a resting phase and are lost without an immediate replacement. It could last up to nine months but should resolve itself without treatment. This also may be the case if you have a chronic illness.
There is no cure for alopecia, and hair may regrow without treatment.
Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include Gradual thinning on top of the head, Circular or patchy bald spots, Sudden loosening of hair, Full body hair loss, patches of scaling that spread over the scalp.
Alopecia is a disease that can affect the quality of our lifestyle. See a doctor as soon as you detect a pattern of hair loss.
