Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD September is Alopecia Awareness month. But do you even know what alopecia is? Do you know if you’re suffering from alopecia? And, what would you do if you had alopecia?
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical word for ‘hair loss.’ It’s a general term, and dermatologists treat many different types of alopecia. Some alopecia is permanent, and other types can be treated. Some alopecia is genetic, and other types of alopecia may happen from things that you put on your hair or do to your hair. For instance, relaxers can cause alopecia if they’re put on improperly or too frequently, and tight braids can cause a type of alopecia called traction alopecia.
Some types of alopecia are caused by contagious infections. Ringworm of the scalp, or tinea capitis, can cause you to have alopecia. It’s more common in kids, but adults get it too. Alopecia can also be caused by stress , illnesses, autoimmune diseases like lupus and lots of other things that may be going on inside of our bodies! Excessive dandruff and scalp inflammation can cause alopecia too.
The goal of Alopecia Awareness month is to get the word out. One thing to know about alopecia is that it is common! Most of us suffer from it, at least mildly, at some point in our lives. If you‘ve never struggled with alopecia, count yourself among the lucky ones!
How Common is Alopecia?
Millions of men and women are affected by alopecia. Genetic hair loss is very common, and up to 80% of women will have experienced some type of hair loss by age 60. There are treatments like finasteride, minoxidil and PRP, but developing hair loss can be devastating. A condition called alopecia areata is a common autoimmune cause of hair loss and affects about 2% of people. That is 2 out of every hundred! Millions of Americans live with alopecia areata, including young children.
Black Women and Alopecia
In African American women, hair loss is an epidemic. In a survey of black women in metro Detroit, 59% of women reported suffering excessive hair loss at some time. Hair loss is one of the most common reasons for African American women to book an appointment to see a dermatologist. African American women commonly develop a permanent type of alopecia called CCCA. CCCA can cause you to lose your hair permanently if you don’t take action in a timely manner.
Do I Have Alopecia?
It’s important to evaluate your hair and scalp closely. Take an honest look at your hair and any problems that you may be having. Don’t be afraid to discuss your issues with your hairstylist. Many times, they are the ones that first spot a problem. If you’re suffering from an itchy scalp or dandruff, take action. Bad dandruff could be a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause your hair to shed. A tender scalp can also indicate a more serious problem like lupus. Don’t ignore hair loss or scalp problems. Always visit a doctor.
