27 Apr What is Alopecia and How SMP Can Help

If you’re suffering with alopecia or you want to know more about alopecia, read on to learn what alopecia is, the causes and solutions to help you cope with the effects from alopecia.

What is alopecia?

A general term used for hair loss, alopecia is a common cause of non-scarring hair loss, where usually, it effects small (coin-sized) patches of baldness on the scalp as well as the beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. Hair on other parts of the body can be affected also. Alopecia totalis affects the entire scalp, whereas alopecia universalis affects the entire body and scalp. The amount of hair loss depends on the individual when being affected by alopecia, which can determine whether or not your hair will grow back. If you’ve been affected by alopecia with small patches, usually the hair will gradually grow back, although this isn’t a guarantee. If more than half of your hair has been affected by alopecia, there are less chances of your hair growing back.

 

The 5 common forms of alopecia:

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata can occur at any age and usually comes in the form of coin-sized patches of baldness on the scalp, this form of alopecia is a common cause of non-scarring hair loss.

 

Alopecia totalis

Unlike alopecia areata, alopecia totalis causes complete baldness of the scalp and is more server than the former. You may start off with small patches of baldness and over time increase in size until the entire head is bald.

 

Alopecia universalis

Alopecia universalis is an extreme form of alopecia where complete hair loss on the scalp and the body is affected, unlike alopecia totalis where just the scalp suffers complete hair loss.

 

Alopecia barbae

Unlike the 3 forms of alopecia as mentioned above, alopecia barbae is sudden hair loss from the beard in small, circular patches.

 

Alopecia traction

Usually formed by excessive pulling or tension of the hair, alopecia traction can be caused by certain hairstyles such as braiding, cornrows, ponytails and topknots, which can cause damage to the hair and in turn cause hair loss, which can be permanently damaging. Alopecia traction is fond to mostly effect men and women of Afro-Caribbean origin as well as Sikh men that wear their hair in a topknot under turbans.

 

What are the causes of alopecia?

Alopecia is affected by inflammation and it is thought that the immune system that protects the body from infections and diseases may attack growing hair. This results in the immune system attacking the hair follicles, which disrupts normal hair from forming. Alopecia isn’t contagious. Stress can have a big impact and can cause triggers for alopecia sufferers by pulling out the hair, which can cause more damage in the long run.

 

Can alopecia be cured?

There is no miracle cure for alopecia, however, depending on the extent of hair loss, there is a chance for complete regrowth, which can take up to a year without treatment.  If the hair loss is very extensive and has been affected for a long period of time, then there’s a high chance that the hair will not grow back.

 

Scalp micro pigmentation for alopecia

While there is no cure for alopecia, scalp micro pigmentation is an effective treatment to cover up the signs of hair loss. Scalp micro pigmentation is non-invasive treatment to give the appearance of realistic hair follicles and with multiple sessions, can add density to your hair. There are so many reasons why scalp micro pigmentation is the ideal solution for your hair loss due to alopecia, it’s a safe procedure with no side effects, results are instant and sessions usually take around 3 hours. Plus, it’s a more affordable way to treat hair loss compared to having a hair transplant.

 

Are you worried about the effects alopecia has on your scalp? Contact Dencity Pigmentation Clinic today about a free no-obligation consultation. Visit our scalp micro pigmentation clinic in Edgbaston today.