Alopecia Areata (Balding):  Causes, Symptoms, Hair Replacement Options

Alopecia Areata is a recurring patchy type of hair loss. It can occur at any age and affects 1% of the population, most commonly children. The reasons for its development are not fully understood. Although not life threatening, the hair loss can be psychologically traumatic.

Most scientists believe Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease where white blood cells from the immune system mistakenly attack hair follicles and keep them from producing hairs.

Alopecia Areata is unpredictable, and repeated episodes are not unusual. Some cases last many years with some regrowth in one area, while at the same time new areas appearing. AA may also cycle through expression and remission. When hair does start to regrow, it tends to be of very fine "peach fuzz" hair, eventually regaining most or all of its normal color and texture.

The true causes of Alopecia Areata are unknown. Except for a family history of Alopecia Areata, there are no known risk factors for the condition. While some researchers have considered stress as a factor in the development of Alopecia Areata, the exact role of stressful events remains unclear. The general consensus among published articles on the subject suggest that stress most likely triggers a condition already present in susceptible individuals, rather than acting as the true primary cause.

At present, there is neither a cure for alopecia areata nor drugs approved for its treatment.  In general, treatments are much less effective for extensive alopecia areata (particularly alopecia totalis/alopecia universalis).
 

Who is Most Likely to Get Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata affects an estimated four million Americans of both sexes and of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. It often begins in childhood.

If you have a close family member with the disease, your risk of developing it is slightly increased. If your family member lost his or her first patch of hair before age 30, the risk to other family members is greater. Overall, one in five people with the disease have a family member who has it as well.
 

Will My Hair Ever Grow Back?

There is every chance that your hair will regrow, but it may also fall out again.  No one can predict when it might regrow or fall out. The course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people lose just a few patches of hair, then the hair regrows, and the condition never recurs. Other people continue to lose and regrow hair for many years. A few lose all the hair on their head; some lose all the hair on their head, face, and body. Even in those who lose all their hair, the possibility for full regrowth remains.

In some, the initial hair regrowth is white, with a gradual return of the original hair color. In most, the regrown hair is ultimately the same color and texture as the original hair.
 

What Can I Expect Next?

The course of alopecia areata is highly unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what will happen next is probably the most difficult and frustrating aspect of the disease. You may continue to lose hair, or your hair loss may stop. The hair you have lost may or may not grow back, and you may or may not continue to develop new bare patches.
 

How Can I Cope With the Effects of This Disease?

This is a common question, particularly for children, teens, and young adults who are beginning to form lifelong goals and who may live with the effects of alopecia areata for many years.

Living with hair loss can be hard, especially in a culture that views hair as a sign of youth and good health. Even so, most people with alopecia areata are well-adjusted, contented people living full lives.

The emotional aspects of living with hair loss, however, can be challenging. Many people cope by learning as much as they can about the disease; speaking with others who are facing the same problem; and, if necessary, seeking counseling to help build a positive self-image.
 

Hope for Those Suffering From Alopecia and Hair Loss

Transitions International, and it's independent member hair loss treatment and restoration centers have helped thousands of men and women worldwide who suffer the devastating effects of hair loss, baldness, and thinning hair.

Our caring, confidential hair loss counseling provides clients with the ability to make a fully informed decision on which hair loss treatment or hair replacement options are best for their particular type of hair loss.

Our skilled artistic and technical team of non-surgical hair restoration professionals can create for you a sensational new look or a happy "welcome back" to your own favorite style with an individually customized hair addition or replacement solution that is totally natural, and completely undetectable.

With a Transitions International non-surgical hair replacement, you can shower, exercise, walk into the wind, apply for that promotion at work... all without worrying about your hair.

When it comes to what many have called the most important self-improvement decision of a lifetime, it is important to seek the services of professionals with an impeccable reputation and in whom you can place your trust.  Each of our hair replacement procedures is custom designed for your unique hair replacement needs.  Contact us for expert hair loss advise in a private, professional hair loss consultation or via an email response to your hair loss inquiry with complete confidentiality. TAKE THE FIRST STEP right now. Call or email today a Transitions hair loss center closest to you and ask for your FREE hair loss consultation!