There are various diseases that, at first glance, seem to affect us only aesthetically, which leads many people to end up ignoring them. Not that aesthetic concerns aren’t valued in our society, but the fact is, with the rush of daily life, many people don’t give much importance to things that seem to affect them only outwardly.

Diseases like vitiligo and alopecia are examples of this. But what many people don’t know is that these external manifestations of the body are often reflections of our emotional state and our health. And that’s why they also deserve to be seen as important.

What is Alopecia?

Speaking specifically about Alopecia, we can say that it can cause a lot of fright or even panic in those who notice it for the first time. It is a disease whose main characteristic is hair loss in certain parts of the scalp, and it can also affect other parts of the body, although that is considered less harmful for most people who have it.

Causes of Alopecia

There are several types of Alopecia and their causes are varied, although they are often linked to the person’s emotional state or even to genetic, hormonal factors, or vitamin deficiency. There are many types of Alopecia, which explains why there are so many causes and also why there are many different treatments for the disease.

Female Alopecia

Alopecia is a disease that affects both men and women, but its effects have greater consequences when it comes to women. One of the main reasons for this is the social factor, since it is much more common to see men without hair than women, which ends up deeply affecting the emotional state of women with the disease.

In addition, there are some types of alopecia that are much more common in women, which we will discuss next, also referred to as female alopecia.

Types of Alopecia

Alopecia, as mentioned previously, is a disease that has several causes and various treatments, precisely because it manifests in different ways in people’s bodies. Each type presents different symptoms, and the severity of each manifestation can vary. Some of the main types are:

  • Traumatic Alopecia
  • Alopecia Areata
  • Androgenetic Alopecia
  • Congenital Alopecia
  • Diffuse Alopecia
  • Seborrheic Alopecia

We will talk a little more in depth about each of these so we can get a better sense of the different ways this disease can manifest.

Traumatic Alopecia

This type of alopecia can occur as a result of a head injury, such as those caused by a car accident, for example. It can also result from habits some people have without realizing it, such as constantly pulling out hair from the scalp.

Alopecia Areata

Often, the cause of this type of alopecia is unknown. It manifests as circular patches on the scalp of various sizes, although it may also present as just one circle. Alopecia areata can also affect other parts of the body, though this is a rarer phenomenon. Despite the lack of information about the cause of this type, it is known that it is often linked to the emotional state of the person.

Androgenetic Alopecia

This is the common baldness, much more frequent in men than women, although it also affects a significant number of women. It is a process of hair weakening, mostly on the top part of the head.

It is the most common type of hair loss known and its causes are mainly hereditary. Once the hair starts to weaken, androgenetic alopecia can reach a point where there is no longer a cure, so it’s highly recommended to try to act at the onset of symptoms. The only known method for reversing this type of alopecia is hair transplant surgery.

Congenital Alopecia

Congenital alopecia is mostly caused by hereditary factors. It may be present from birth, causing total or partial hair loss throughout the person’s life. It can also affect both men and women.

Diffuse Alopecia

This type of alopecia is a bit different from the others. Firstly, because it presents as a chronic disease rather than a temporary one like most other types.

Additionally, it is directly associated with emotional factors such as excessive stress, for example. It is known that diffuse alopecia is more common in women than in men, and its causes may also be linked to hormonal factors such as menopause, increased progesterone, or the use of certain medicines to treat other illnesses.

Seborrheic Alopecia

This is a simpler type of alopecia, usually caused by dermatitis and treated with medicated shampoos and specific medications. Hair loss occurs in certain spots, mainly along the hairline. Its causes are also directly linked to the person’s emotional state.

Diagnosis of Alopecia

Hair loss is not always what you think it is. That’s why it’s necessary to see a dermatologist so they can provide the right diagnosis for your condition, whether or not it is alopecia and, if so, what type.

The diagnosis is made through exams that can not only detect the type of alopecia but also its cause, which is fundamental for the treatment to be carried out correctly.

Treatments for Alopecia

Treatment for the disease can vary greatly depending on the type of alopecia and its severity. In general, three main types of treatments are done, which are:

  • Creams or ointments: Applied directly to the bald area and the amount varies according to medical advice.
  • Injections: Generally given once a month directly where hair loss occurs. The injections are cortisone-based.
  • Lotions: Usually used during or after bathing. The amount can also vary according to medical prescription.

In addition to these three, there are other types of treatments such as hair transplantation, for example, which is not so popular since most who lose all their hair are men.

Another widely used method to help fight alopecia is psychological treatment, since many types are related to a person’s emotional state. The help of a professional in this area can certainly reduce symptoms and help cure alopecia faster.

Important: Never try to self-treat, always seek professional help before applying any type of medication to your skin.

Alopecia is a disease that, by name, may not be very well known, but you probably know someone who suffers or has suffered from problems like these. Hair loss in women is much more common than you think, but the most important thing is to know that there is treatment for almost all types of alopecia.

See also: How Can Stress Affect Your Body?
Photo: Sony Ilce-7