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Alopecia: How To Stop The Physical Impact
Hollie Shirley / Hair & Skincare Editor How can you reduce the impact of aloepcia? Read our helpful guide to find out more
Alopecia areata is a relatively common disease that affects the hair. It appears as one or more oval or circular patches of non-scarring hair loss on an otherwise normal scalp. When the condition is active, hairs at the margins of these patches fall out at the lightest touch. Thinning of hair sometimes occurs in the early stages and in severe cases the lesions may extend, resulting ultimately in total hair loss.
Alopecia may also be a side effect of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow/stem cell transplants. Treatments can result in hair loss by harming the cells that help hair grow. Alopecia areata may appear anywhere around childhood or early adult life, but it can occur at any age. Sometimes, there’s a family history, and at other times there are none. That goes to say that alopecia doesn’t have an absolute defined pattern of occurrence.
Whatever the cause or type, we’re here to help you with tips to stop the physical impact of alopecia.
- Check with your doctor
First, confirm with your doctor if the hair loss is a response to an allergy or if it is autoimmune.
If your body system is reacting negatively to something, seek it out. Find whatever that is and discontinue use immediately.
If it is autoimmune, then your doctor can prescribe some drugs to help you manage the condition.
P.S: early treatment is one of the best ways to reduce or even stop the physical impact of alopecia. Children and adolescents may not require drug therapy, however.
- Utilize Silk
Silk head wraps are good at protecting your hair and scalp from the sun and its harmful rays that may promote hair loss. More importantly, silk head covers will stop the additional physical abrasion against your scalp. Also, this method will help you conserve hair moisture and prevent dryness and hair breakage.
- Enjoy your life
It is common to feel unhappy about hair falling out in large patches but worrying about it may only worsen the situation.
Now is a good time to take good care of your hair. Go gentle on it. Rock those wigs or partial hairpieces you’ve always wanted. Visit places you have always wanted to visit.
Be around people who genuinely care about you ad people who won’t be ashamed of physical conditions such as a hair loss or a skin break. You need support, not validation at this time.
References:
https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/alopecia-areata
https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata
