Alopecia Hair Loss – Will Hair Grow Back?

Two out of a hundred persons suffer with some form of alopecia hair loss according to various estimates. Some just have small bald patches, others have complete hair loss on the scalp. In extreme cases there can be a total absence of body hair.

The main questions many people ask about alopecia hair loss are considered here:

Just what is a definition of alopecia hair loss?

First let’s get the pronunciation right. The four syllables are pronounced al-oh-PEE-shah with emphasis on the third syllable PEE. A simple definition of alopecia is: “partial or complete hair loss.” The condition is commonly referred to by it’s full title: alopecia areata with additional words describing the severity or area affected:

Multilocularis: A number of bald spots on the head

Barbae: Bald patches only on the beard

Totalis: Hair loss on the whole head and scalp

Universalis: A total absence of body hair

How does an individual develop Alopecia hair loss?

This condition can affect anyone – male, female, old, young, from all races. There is an indication that heredity can play a part as about one in five who have the condition have relatives who also suffer with it.

However, statistics show that the majority of children with alopecia hair loss did not have parents who suffered with it. Conversely, the majority of parents with the condition did not have children who suffered with it.

It should be noted the condition is not contagious. Alopecia hair loss is classified as an autoimmune disease. It can be set off by a virus or some other factor in the environment which causes the body’s white blood cells, which normally protect, to turn on the cells in the hair follicle responsible for hair growth.

The question on most sufferers’ mind it “Will hair ever grow back”?

It’s different in each case. Here is an overview of how a person might be affected:

Hair regrows but falls out again

The hair loss only affects a few patches, and then grows again for good

Hair may fall out, regrow, fall out, regrow, and so on for many years

In most cases, the regrowth is the same color as the hair before

In a few cases, the hair that regrows is white but then gradually regains its original color

So how can alopecia hair loss be remedied?

A variety of drugs are currently used which can have a positive effect on hair growth, although there is no ideal solution at this time. These include:

Rogaine, also called Minoxidil because of the main ingredient, is a drug designed to treat male and female pattern hair loss. It has been approved by the FDA.

Corticosteroids – these are strong drugs which are used to suppress the immune system

There are various ways of coping with the changes in appearance, depending of course on how severe alopecia hair loss is for an individual. These include using scarves, hats, jewelry, clothing, and cosmetics to camouflage the effects of alopecia hair loss. Additionally, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (alopeciaareata.com) has a network and message board system putting sufferers in touch with each other where they can exchange ideas and suggestions.