A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Alopecia: Alopecia means hair loss from the head or body. Hair loss can be caused by compulsive pulling of hair. Having hair in tight ponytails or braids can cause alopecia. Hair relaxer solutions and hot hair irons can also induce hair loss. In some cases, alopecia is due to underlying medical conditions such as iron deficiency.

Hair loss in patches is significant to alopecia areata. It means that sudden hair loss causes patches to appear on the scalp or other areas of the body. If left untreated or if the disease does not respond to treatment, complete baldness can result in the affected area.

When the entire body suffers from complete hair loss, it is similar to the effects that occur with chemotherapy. Alopecia areata is a hair loss condition which usually affects the scalp though it can affect both the body and the scalp. Alopecia areata affects both genders. An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles is believed to cause alopecia areata.

Any type of hair loss can be distressing, so you should see your doctor if you are worried about it. Your doctor should be able to diagnose your type of hair loss by examining your hair, and they can also discuss possible treatments with you. It is advisable to visit your doctor before you try a private consultant dermatologist (skin care specialist) or commence a course of herbal remedies.