Alopecia Areata
It is estimated that there are approximately 2.5 men,
women and children in the united states with some form of alopecia areata.
It is fairly common condition which in most cases is temporary.
There are three basic types of alopecia. Although the cause is not yet clearly known, alopecia areata is thought
to be an auto immune disorder. The national Alopecia Areata Foundation
points out that other than the hair and nails no other part of the body is
affected. Heredity plays a role in approximately 20% of those with
Alopecia Areata. You can contact the National Alopecia Areata Foundation
at: Treatment
NNAF
P.O Box 150760
SanRafael, Ca 94915
Phone:
415-456-4644
A visit to a competent dermatologist is recommended at the onset
of Alopecia.
Wigs and Prosthesis
If you do not respond to medical treatment and do not wish
to greet the world as you are, a wig or prosthesis may be an important
asset.What you should know about Alopecia Areata is that it is
unpredictable!
You may wish to cover a patchy area with a small hair
addition, yet with a few weeks you may find it ineffective due to further
migration of the alopecia.
Avoid partial hair additions or any type of addition that relies on the
existing hair until you know that your condition has stabilized.(the
dermatologist can answer this best)
There are many attractive head coverings now made for those with
Alopecia Areata in the way of turbans and hats.
Hair Transplantation
Alopecia Areata is “recipient domain and transplants to not work.
Magic Solutions
Unfortunately, there are no magic cures. However, many firms wish to
take advantage of your emotions when you are faced with Alopecia Areata.
The most magical relief from Alopecia Areata comes from your own body.
Nearly 90% of those with Alopecia Areata will only experience episodes. In
most cases the body will return to its own management system, which is the
true magic!
Parent and Guardians of
Children
Children are often better equipped to handle alopecia than adults. The
AHCL suggests supporting a childs choice when it comes to purchasing wigs
and prosthesis. Putting pressure on a child to wear a wig can often
transmit the message “You are not alright just the way you
are.”
Coping through support
groups
Support groups have been formed across the country. By calling the
National Alopecia Areata Foundation you can meet others just like you,
who, through their own experiences, have already paved many roads for
you.
Many people have become experts with wigs and makeup and have
already found out who are the best physicians in their area. Save money
and frustration and learn through the real expert: someone living with
this condition.
Treatment Options for Androgenic Alopecia.
- Learning to live with hair loss. Often the assistance of a professional counselor can be helpful in coping with hair loss.
- Hairstyling and cosmetic techniques such as permanent waves and color. The proper cut alone can make a vast difference in diffusing hair loss.
- Rogaine, the only FDA approved topical treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. Although Rogaine is not effective in stimulating hair growth in many males, it appears to be more effective in retarding the hair loss in both males and females.
- Hair additions have made advances in both appearance and secure attachment methods.
- Hair replacement surgery has also made many advances toward more natural appearing results.
- A combination of hair additions with replacement surgery.