What is Alopecia Areata?​

Alopecia areata (al-oh-PEE-shah air-ee-AH-tah) is a highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body.

This common but very challenging and capricious disease affects approximately 1.7 percent of the population overall, including more than 5 million people in the United States alone. Due to the fact that much of the public is still not familiar with alopecia areata, the disease can have a profound impact on one's life and functional status, both at work and at school.

In alopecia areata, the affected hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by a person's own immune system (white blood cells), resulting in the arrest of the hair growth stage. Alopecia areata usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).

Alopecia areata occurs in males and females of all ages and races; however, onset most often begins in childhood and can be psychologically devastating. Although not life-threatening, alopecia areata is most certainly life-altering, and its sudden onset, recurrent episodes, and unpredictable course have a profound psychological impact on the lives of those disrupted by this disease. ​

 

Hair loss is a real concern, not just for men but also for women​

It can be caused by:​

climate changes​
pregnancy​
change of diet​
weight loss​
hormonal changes​
stress​
extreme heat or cold​
certain medications​
medically related procedures.​
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If you are experiencing dramatic hair loss, or seeing bald patches, go see a dermatologist asap.​

If you're simply seeing more hair on your hairbrush or in the shower than usual, relax - it's probably a very normal reaction to some changes in your life, like moving to Hong Kong...​

...both because of the stress of relocating and because of climate changes; it's actually quite common for Westerners relocating here from colder climates, to experience a bit of hair loss.

For stress, I recommend a good vitamin B complex and other supplements, Drink loads of water and get plenty of sleep because you're under loads of stress in those first few months. After that, you should start to adjust and your hair count should stabilize.

Avoid using very oily, petroleum-based products or silicon on your scalp. You need to leave the hair follicles as open as possible.

*Shampoo more frequently because this will increase circulation, so a scalp massage is also useful.

*Stay away from hair extensions, as they add great stress to your existing hair and can cause hair loss and breakage.

*Make sure you are using good products, not dubious Drugstore 'own brands', as the acidity level is very important.

*Stay away from caffeine and other stimulants as they shrink the capillaries and restrict blood flow.

For more info, see:​
http://familydoctor.org/081.xml​
http://www.hairlosstalk.com/ ​

http://hairloss.about.com/b/a/253639.htm​
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/skin/hair_loss.html​