What Is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a general term for any kind of hair loss. Alopecia can occur in both men and women. It is more commonly seen in men, but it can be equally as devastating for women.
Types of Alopecia
- Androgenic Alopecia: This type of hair loss is also known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). It is the most common kind of hair loss. It involves thinning and receding of the hair on the scalp and often involves a receding hairline.
- Alopecia Areata: This is a condition which causes hair loss in patches. The hair loss can be sudden and can affect the beard, eyebrows, and scalp. It is usually patchy and can cause total hair loss on the scalp which is known as Alopecia Totalis.
- Traction Alopecia: Traction alopecia occurs when the hair is frequently pulled, such as in certain hairstyles, such as cornrows, or when wearing tight hair rollers.
Symptoms and Health Issues
The main symptom of alopecia is hair loss which can occur suddenly or over time. In some cases, the scalp may become red, itchy and painful, and there may be small dents in the scalp.
Alopecia can be psychologically damaging, especially for women, since it affects appearance. In some cases, alopecia can cause depression and anxiety. Additionally, for those with Androgenic Alopecia, the receding hairline can be a sign of female or male pattern baldness which can lead to high levels of testosterone and low levels of estrogen. This can cause an increased risk of health issues such as prostate cancer, coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Conclusion
Alopecia is a general term for any type of hair loss and can affect both men and women. There are many different types of alopecia, the most common being androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia. Symptoms of alopecia include hair loss, scalp irritation, and depression and anxiety. Additionally, those with androgenic alopecia may also face an increased risk of certain health issues such as prostate cancer and coronary heart disease.
