It’s Alopecia Awareness Month! For those diagnosed with alopecia, we see you and celebrate you today! Whether you’ve just learned about alopecia or looking for more information, we are here to support you! ✨❤️?
The information on this blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content on this webpage is intended for general information purposes only.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks healthy hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair loss can be seen on the head, face, and body and is diagnosed by a dermatologist. There are many different types of alopecia that vary depending on the degrees of hair loss. These include:
Alopecia Areata: Hair loss that is described as patchy. May be seen on the scalp, face, and body
Alopecia Totalis: Total hair loss on the scalp
Alopecia Universalis: Complete loss of hair on the entire body
What Causes Alopecia?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the only sign of alopecia is sudden hair loss. While causes remain unknown and research is limited, you may be at an increased risk for developing alopecia if you have a family history of alopecia or one of the following diseases:
Hay Fever
Asthma
Thyroid Disease
Atopic Dermatitis
Down syndrome
Vitiligo
Treatment
Although alopecia attacks healthy hair follicles, these follicles are alive and can regrow hair at any time. There is no known cure for alopecia, but treatment may help if hair does not regrow on its own. Treatments include:
Corticosteroid creams or injections
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Anthralin
Immunotherapy
If you’re looking for immediate steps, wigs, false eyelashes, head wraps, and makeup can help diminish the appearance of hair loss.
For specific treatment, contact a medical provider.
You Are Not Alone?
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley shocked the nation when she revealed her beautiful bald head.???✨ In her political career, Pressely exudes black girl magic, showing everyone that black hairstyles are professional and beautiful. In a video released by The Root, Pressley opens up about her journey with alopecia.
"My twists have become such a synonymous and a conflated part of not only my personal identity and how I show up in the world, but my political brand. And that's why I think it's important that I'm transparent about this new normal & living with alopecia."
Know that you are not alone. Over 140 million people have been diagnosed with alopecia worldwide. For more resources and support groups, visit the National Alopecia Areata Foundation website.
