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Alopecia AreataWhat is ALOPECIA AREATA?It is an auto-immune skin disease resulting in hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body where hair is present. It affects approximately 1.7 percent of the population overall, including more than 4.7 million people in the United States alone. If we consider the whole world the numbers are much greater. The cause of the hair loss is the affected hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by a person's own immune system (white blood cells). This causes the hair to stop growing in the affected area. Basically hair growth in this particular area comes to a halt.
This is a non-discriminating disease that affects all sexes, ages and races. It usually begins with a small, smooth, round bald patch on the scalp and sometimes progresses all over the scalp area (alopecia totalis) or complete loss of all body hair (alopecial universalis). This hair loss can be devastating both emotionally and socially as our society places so much emphasis on hair – as we can see on commercials with models with silky hair selling hair products or in magazines and billboards. Many support groups have been developed to help those affected with this disease. Because the public knows so little about it, it can be difficult for those suffering with this disease. Much research has been done and continues to be done on this disease. If you are experiencing hair loss, see your doctor or medical practioner immediately so that you can determine the cause and begin treatment. For more information, please visit www.AlopeciaAreata.com website for more details on the history, find facts and you'll have access to message boards so that you can talk to others with this disease. A great resource site for those wanting more information.
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