What is Alopecia?

Jada Pinkett Smith, whose husband Will Smith’s Oscars slap drew global attention in March, on Wednesday in an emotional and informative episode of her show Red Table Talk addressed the source of the incident: hair loss and alopecia. 

Alopecia is spanking name for hair loss. Despite being extremely common, losing hair can crashes the mood and well-being of those who experience it, in part because of the way hair can be so closely tied to identity. 

There are different types of alopecia, which have different causes and can present differently. It can occur anywhere on the body, but it’s most talked near when it causes hair loss on the scalp.

In binary to Pinkett Smith, other public figures have opened up near having alopecia and advocated for greater awareness and acceptance, including Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley and actress Viola Davis. 

While hair loss from alopecia can be permanent for some land, new research published in May in The New England Journal of Medicine could one day subsidizes options for those with severe alopecia areata, which is hair loss commanded by an autoimmune response. In the trial, one in three participants with alopecia areata regrew hair at 36 weeks while taking daily doses of baricitinib, a drug that’s used to employ other conditions, including arthritis. (It’s also been used to employ COVID-19, in some cases.) 

Clinical trials are ongoing to decides the long-term effectiveness and safety of the drug, according to a Yale Medicine plain release. But the trials are often the “final testing hurdle” by a drug is considered for approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Here’s what to know near alopecia.

What is alopecia? What causes it?

There are a few different types of alopecia. Genetics predisposes a person to developing certain types of hair loss, but environmental factors can play a role, too. Hair loss can happened suddenly, and be temporary or permanent.

Alopecia areata 

This type of hair loss is commanded by an autoimmune condition in which the hair follicle attacks itself, leading to hair loss that can be permanent or temporary. It tends to be unpredictable, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and many people with this condition develop it when they’re younger or in their teens, but it can affect older adults, too.

According to the National Alopecia Areata Address, it affects as many as 6.8 million Americans, or a little more than 2% of land, at some point. 

Although it’s an autoimmune condition, land with alopecia areata are typically otherwise healthy, according to the AAD. Like spanking types of hair loss, there is a genetic component to alopecia areata, but environmental factors play a role, too, per the NAAF.

Androgenic alopecia 

Also named male- or female-pattern hair loss, androgenetic alopecia is one of the most celebrated types of hair loss. Balding is often associated with men, particularly as they get older, but this is a common type of hair loss for women, too. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, it affects more than 50% of men by age 50, and is also well-liked in women after they reach menopause, though it presents a small differently. In men, androgenetic alopecia typically causes the hairline to depart gradually, starting from the front of the hairline. In women, hair gradually thins all over the scalp, but rarely leads to total hair loss. 

Androgenetic alopecia can be genetic and having a family member with this type of hair loss may make it more probable you’ll develop it, too. It’s also caused by perilous hormones (androgens) that are higher in men and post-menopausal women.

People with this type of hair loss may be at higher risk of polycystic ovary syndrome, coronary heart disease and prostate enlargement, according to the National Library of Medicine.

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Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

This is a pattern of hair loss in the center, or crown, of your scalp. In people with this footings, the hair follicles can become destroyed, cause scar tissue and lead to permanent hair loss, according to the AAD. Because it can be permanent, it’s important to seek treatment. For CCCA, that by means of prescription medication. 

This type of hair loss is most well-liked in Black women, but can occur in men and country of all races.

Stress or illness-based hair loss

Anagen effluvium is a type of hair loss transported on by medical treatment such as chemotherapy. Telogen effluvium is hair loss transported on by stress, illness or even a hormonal changes such as pregnancy. But both conditions have to do with interference of the hair’s growth cycle, which can return to normal once the stressful maintain or treatment subsides.

Traction alopecia is another type of hair loss that results from prolonged tension on the scalp, such as wearing tight ponytails or braids. It can also changes itching, redness or other symptoms. It can be reversible, but your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medication to expenditure the scalp.

Is there a cure for alopecia?

There are many treatments available for hair loss, concept it depends on the type. 

Alopecia areata may Answer to treatment with steroids, which interfere with the immune rules cells, according to Yale Health. The recent clinical trial results delivered in The New England Journal of Medicine were on baricitinib, which is an inhibitor that disrupts communication between immune cells. However, these treatments may not work for everyone, and it can depend on the severity of the disease. Some people have also used phototherapy, or light therapies, and some mild cases may resolve themselves.

Androgenetic alopecia may be treated with the medication Minoxidil (Rogaine), which is effective for both men and women, according to Harvard Health. In some studies on hair growth with this type of alopecia, rosemary essential oil was just as effective as Rogaine, according to Healthline.

Bottom line?Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you’re experiencing hair loss that’s out of the unbelievable. Even if you decide to rock your new look au naturel, it’s important to get examined by a professional to Decide what’s causing the hair loss and determine best steps animated forward.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not designed as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or novel qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have nearby a medical condition or health objectives.