Types of alopecia and their symptoms

Alopecia is a term used to describe hair loss or baldness. There are many different types of alopecia with different causes and symptoms. The following are a few of the most common forms of the condition:

Alopecia Areata

Characterized by round or coin-shaped bald patches on the scalp, this condition is often referred to as "spot baldness". However, in rare cases, this can spread to other hair bearing areas of the body. This form of alopecia is believed to be heredity and caused by an auto-immune system issue. At times pain or tingling may be present at the site of the hair loss patch. This condition can evolve to more advanced stages such as;

Diffuse alopecia areata - hair is lost diffusely over the entire scalp

Alopecia areata multilocularis - hair iloss in multiple areas

Alopecia areata monocularis - a single spot of baldness on the head

Alopecia areata totalis - complete balding on the scalp

Alopecia areata universalis - complete hair loss on the entire body.

Androgenic Alopecia

This is the most common form of Alopecia known as "male pattern baldness". Also a genetic condition, androgenic alopecia is believed to be caused by the male hormone dihydrotestosterone and is characterized by loss of hair on the lateral sides of the head forming a horseshoe pattern. Hair loss will sometimes appear on top of the head as well. In rare cases, women can also develop this condition however; their hair loss in generally a thinning effect over the entire scalp and the hairline doesn't recede.

Traction Alopecia

One of the few preventable forms of alopecia, traction alopecia is caused mainly by hair being forcibly pulled for extended periods of time. Braids, ponytails and hair buns are a common culprit for this condition. However, traction alopecia is most common in African American women due to the frequent styling practices of hair weaves or dreadlocks.

Most alopecia conditions are not curable; however there are treatments to minimize the symptoms such as topical treatments, prescription drugs, medicated shampoos and essential oils. The best thing you can do for your hair is to nourish it. Eating a healthy diet is essential as vitamin deficiencies make hair brittle. Lack of nutrition also promotes residue buildup on the scalp, dry skin and common infections which block the natural sebum (the oil we produce naturally) from conditioning the hair. In addition, regular aerobic exercise helps to increase blood circulation throughout the body and scalp, oxygenates the blood and reduces inflammation in the scalp which can choke hair follicles and prevent growth.