Alopecia

Abnormal hair loss affects millions of people around the world every year. The condition is prevalent in young men and women, but can affect people of all ages and in all ethnic groups, no matter what their background.

Alopecia is characterised by the appearance of one or more circular bald patches on the head and also on other hair-bearing areas of the body, such as the arms or in a man's beard. The problem stems from a slowdown and eventual cessation of follicle hair production. The follicles remain alive beneath the skin, but no hair grows.

In some people alopecia is permanent, but in others the condition may only be temporary with hair growth resuming of its own accord several months or years later.

Treatments are available for alopecia, although none have been proved to work satisfactorily for everyone. Topical application of a cortisone steroid can be used on the bald patches themselves to stimulate new hair growth from the follicles beneath. This is one of the more successful treatments with new growth being reported within 4-weeks of treatment. The drug minoxidil, which is used in the shampoo 'Regaine' can also be used to promote new hair growth.

For more information on alopecia please review the resources on our site.

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