Alopecia Hair Loss
Click here to view the embedded video.
Alopecia is a word used to describe hair loss. It really is the prefix to the type of hair loss and was traditionally used to describe auto-immune types of hair loss that can be patchy as with Alopecia Areata, the serpent type that effects the edges of the scalp hair as with Alopecia Ophiasis, total scalp Alpoecia with Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis which effect all body hair.
These types of Alopecia can be temporary and self-correcting but some can be scarring where the auto-immune effect has caused destruction to the hair follicles. It is important to get a correct diagnosis early on so you can choose treatment options that address all symptoms and causes understanding what may have triggered the auto-immune response which may overlap a hereditary tendency.
Alopecia Hair Loss common names:
- Alopecia Areata patchy hair loss
- Alopecia Ophiasis pattern of hair loss like a serpent forming a turban over the edges of the scalp
- Alopecia Circumscript localized patch of hair loss
- Alopecia Reticulated is a net-like pattern of hair loss with irregular areas void of hair interspersed amongst areas of hair on the scalp
- Alopecia Totalis all scalp hair is lost, and the surface of the scalp becomes totally smooth
- Alopecia Universalis loss of all hair on the head and body
- Pseudopelade describes a unique form of cicatricial alopecia resembling Alopecia Areata commonly beginning in a moth-eaten pattern
Autoimmune diseases are a broad range of related diseases in which one’s immune system produces an inappropriate response against its own cells, tissues and/or organs, resulting in inflammation and damage. There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases, and these range from common to very rare diseases.
Examples of common autoimmune diseases include but is not limited to: Addison’s disease (adrenal), Asthma (airways), Autoimmune hepatitis (liver), Coeliac disease (gastrointestinal tract), Crohn’s disease (gastrointestinal tract), Diabetes Mellitis Type 1a (pancreas), Eczema (skin), Grave’s disease (thyroid), Guillain-Barre syndrome (nervous system), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (thyroid), Multiple sclerosis (nervous system), Pernicious anaemia (stomach), Primary biliary cirrhosis (liver), Psoriasis (skin), Sclerosing cholangitis (liver), Myasthenia gravis (nerves, muscles), Ulcerative colitis (gastrointestinal tract).
The key here is understanding ‘autoimmune’ and supporting the immune system rather than trying to knock it down as is common practice. Combination therapy delivers a better health support especially when using steroid type treatments topically and/or internally. When focus is on base nutrition and building up the good bacteria required by a normal functioning immune system, the end result is always a longer term and sustainable solution.
Absolique Hair Health Clinic use and recommend base nutrition including: pH testing, organic minerals, essential fatty acids, water and fat soluble vitamins and additional antioxidant. Once base nutrition is in place in a pH balanced environment, probiotics can be introduced to build up good bacteria in the gut to support the immune system. As with all autoimmune conditions, results will vary depending on individual case history.