By Dr. Linda Amerson


September is National Alopecia Awareness Month.  Alopecia is the medical term for the loss of hair from the head or body, and usually is involuntary and unwanted.  There are a few major types of alopecia.  Hair loss that occurs in only one section of the head or body is termed alopecia areata.  Alopecia totalis describes the loss of all head hair and affects millions of Americans.  And alopecia universalis describes the complete hair loss from both the head and body.

The causes of and common contributors to alopecia vary:

•    Chemotherapy:  Drug-induced alopecia commonly occurs in individuals required to take chemotherapy medications.  Chemotherapy attacks rapidly growing cells, including hair, and often leads to alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.  In most cases, hair re-growth resumes with a different hair texture.  In addition, some individuals may develop scalp sensitivity or dry scalp and skin.
•    Autoimmunity:  Alopecia areata, which is considered an autoimmune disease, reveals a smooth round or oval patch. This patch may enlarge to connect multiple adjacent patches.  In some cases, entire head hair loss occurs, thereby revealing alopecia totalis.  Kayla Martell, who was recently crowned Miss Delaware, is affected with alopecia areata.  Yet her perseverance did not stop her from obtaining her crown.
•    Excessive Stress or Trauma:  Alopecia may occur when a person endures physical or psychological stress or trauma, such as domestic violence, the loss of a family member or a close friend/pet.  In some cases, the lost hair will re-grow, while in other cases, the alopecia is irreversible.
•    Underlying Medical Condition:  Alopecia may be an indication of an underlying medical condition, such as iron deficiency, nutritional deficiency, systemic disease, a skin injury or a scalp infection, which causes the alopecia.  If the underlying medical condition is resolved, the alopecia may likewise resolve itself. 
•    Psychological Compulsion:  Trichotillomania is the medical term for the compulsion to pull out one’s scalp or body hair.  Trichotillomania may result in noticeable patches of hair loss.
•    Chemical Over-Processing:  Alopecia, including alopecia totalis, may occur when a person has overused or misused chemical on their hair.  This is common with the use of hair coloring products, chemical relaxers, and hair bleach.
•    Hairstyling Routines:  Similarly, alopecia may be an unforeseen consequence of wearing excessively tight ponytails or braids or repeatedly using hot  mechanical  irons.

Separate from alopecia, some individuals choose to shave off all of their hair to follow the trends of celebrities and athletes or to tattoo on their heads.  Overall, alopecia may have many contributing factors, whether genetic, medical, or environmental.  Regardless of how one develops alopecia, remember that you too can follow the trendsetter Miss Delaware Kayla Martell and know that your goals are obtainable!

All questions may be addressed to Dr. Linda Amerson, a world-renowned board certified Trichologist.  Proprietor of LA’s Hair & Scalp Clinic, Arlington, TX. (817) 265-8854 or www.hairandscalpessentials.com