Alopecia: Learn more about the condition that causes hair loss
The Oscars 2022 award was full of controversies and one of them started because of the condition of Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of Will Smith, winner of the Oscar for best actor for King Richard: Raising Champions.
Just before the awards show, the actor took the stage and slapped Chris Rock, a comedian who made a joke about his wife for her alopecia.
But what exactly is this condition, how is it caused and what are the treatments? Read on and find out!
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a condition that causes sudden hair loss from the scalp. It can also affect hair in other parts of the body.
In alopecia, large amounts of hair fall out in certain areas, causing the scalp or skin that was previously covered by hair to be seen.
There are 3 stages of the condition:
Anagen phase – the hair grows and about 90% of the hair is in the phase, which can last from two to eight years;
Catagen phase – when hair follicles shrink and last for two to three weeks;
Telogen phase – the hair rests for a period of two to four months and, at the end of the stage, the hair falls out so that the growth cycle begins again.
It is normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs every day through the process of continuous renewal. However, if this cycle is interrupted or if a hair follicle is damaged, the hair can fall out quickly, not keeping up with the regeneration time and this causes thinning wires and totally empty areas.
When you notice that there is an abnormal hair loss, seek medical help to investigate the causes. The use of over-the-counter medications and treatments is not advised.
What causes alopecia?
Hair loss can occur due to several situations such as:
Stress;
Ringworm on the scalp;
Use of medicines;
Protein, iron, biotin and zinc deficiency;
Postpartum hormonal reaction;
Diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, secondary syphilis or lichen planus;
Systemic lupus erythematosus;
In addition to diseases such as skin cancer, for example.
But only those who can identify the cause of alopecia is a dermatologist. Therefore, it is very important not to be hasty when realizing that something is wrong.
How is the treatment done?
To treat alopecia, it is necessary, first of all, to consult a dermatologist so that the causes are identified for a well-directed treatment.
Therapeutic options are also indicated. But, for more serious cases, the use of oral medications favors hair growth and prevents hair loss.
For milder cases and as a complement to more serious ones, cosmetic products in lotions or ampoules can be used, as they favor hair growth. All this, according to the guidance of a dermatologist.
Some specific treatments also exist, such as intradermotherapy and carboxytherapy, which must be performed by professionals and can only be performed when recommended by your doctor.
Because of its unknown causes, there are no ways to prevent the condition. It is worth remembering that it is not a clinically serious disease, but it can affect the emotional state, indicating the need for psychological care.
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