Hair loss can stem from any number of causes, and one that’s worth noting is autoimmune disorder—specifically, alopecia areata. If you’ve noticed little bald patches around your head, or hair falling out in clumps each time you shower or brush, then alopecia may very well be the cause of it.
In this post, we’ll explain what this condition actually is—and also what you can do about it.
Defining Alopecia
An autoimmune disorder is any condition in which your body turns on itself—specifically, when your immune system starts attacking things it shouldn’t be attacking. In the case of alopecia areata, your immune system is actually attacking hair follicles—causing hair to fall out, often in clumps about the size and shape of a quarter.
The scope of alopecia-related hair loss differs from one person to the next. Some will experience total baldness, while others will only lose a little bit of hair in a few different patches. In exceedingly rare instances, you could even lose all the hair on your whole body.
The extent of hair loss is similarly variable. Some people who have alopecia areata will eventually grow back all their hair. Others will never get it back—though there are always methods available for hair restoration.
Treating Alopecia Areata
The bad news about alopecia areata is that there is no real cure for it. Scientists aren’t even of one accord on why some people get this disease. But while it can’t be cured, its effects can certainly be treated and minimized.
Certainly, if you exhibit any of that patchy hair loss we described, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible. He or she may prescribe corticosteroids, available as a cream or as an injection; these treatments essentially work as an anti-inflammatory, and can minimize some of the effects of your autoimmune condition. Topical immunotherapy is also a possibility.
Restoring Lost Hair
Even though the condition itself cannot be cured, there are steps you can take to restore your lost hair. Topical hair solutions can sometimes help stimulate new growth. Laser hair therapy can restore blood flow to the follicles, and perhaps undo some of the damage done by the autoimmune condition. Of course, hair systems are also available, and can provide you with a seamless and natural look.
We work with many men and women who have lost hair due to alopecia, and we have solutions that truly work. Learn more by visiting Mane Image today and asking for a consultation.
