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Alopecia Areata (Balding) in Women: 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. Alopecia Areata
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,
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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
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With a
Transitions of Wisconsin non-surgical hair replacement, you
can shower, exercise, walk into the wind, apply for that
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Which Custom Hair Replacement
Solution is Right for You?
 At
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Affordable
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Free, no
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Discreet,
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A team of
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private styling rooms for both men and women
But which one
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hair
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