What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term that is used to describe and characterise hair loss. This hair loss can be as subtle as a noticeable thinning of hair thickness and number at the crown of the scalp or as severe as a complete loss of all body hair.

Types and Characteristics of Alopecia

There are over nine subtypes of the condition alopecia. The most common types- Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Alopecia Barbae, Alopecia Mucinosa, Androgenetic Alopecia, Traction Alopecia, Anagen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecia, and Telogen Effluvium- all have different causes and characteristics.

Androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia, anagen alopecia, anagen effluvium, and telogen effluvium can all be brought on by natural causes. Androgenetic alopecia begins as a thinning of the hair at the crown or as a receding of the hairline. Traction alopecia is caused by tight hairstyles and appears in the area of damage. Anagen effluvium is caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments and can lead to complete hair loss that is usually temporary. Telogen effluvium is characterised by general thinning of the hair.

Alopecia areata is hair loss that occurs as patches on the body. Alopecia totalis is characterised by a total loss of hair on the scalp. Alopecia universalis is characterised by the loss of all hair on the entire body. Alopecia barbae is hair loss that occurs in men on the facial area, especially in the area of a beard. Hair loss that results in scaley patches on the skin is called alopecia mucinosa. And scarring alopecia leaves behind scars in the area affected by hair loss.

If any of these conditions or characteristics resemble your type of hair loss it is best to consult with a doctor in order to determine the extent of the condition and the best option for treatment.

Causes of Alopecia

The main cause of alopecia is thought to an autoimmune disease. In this condition the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles in a mistaken attempt to rid the follicles of foreign debris. When these enzymes and chemicals are released in the hair follicle they cause a breakdown of the cells and inhibit the proper function of the follicle. This interruption in function can lead to hair loss, increased hair shedding, and excessive hair thinning.

In addition to autoimmune disorders, there are a few other causes of alopecia. Genetics can play a big role in the onset of androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. Medications, disease treatments, and some illness can also lead to alopecia. As can exposure to cleaning chemicals, chemicals used in hair care treatments, and some chemicals found in pollution. Age can also be a factor in the cause of alopecia. Ageing hair follicles take longer to produce new hair and experience longer resting phases than younger hair follicles.

Who Can Suffer From Alopecia

Unfortunately anyone can develop alopecia. Some types of alopecia are more common in older individuals than younger ones, and some types are more often seen in males than females. However, your chances of developing alopecia increase if you have a close family member (or members) who suffer from the disease or if you have a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, that is known to encourage alopecia symptoms.

Since androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness, is the most common type of alopecia men are more likely to develop this condition, especially if they are over 40 years old.