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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.

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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!
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