Myths About Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that can affect many people during their lives. 

 

Because of the huge numbers of people living with alopecia areata, there are bound to be more than a few myths surrounding this condition. So, in this blog, we at Elite Hair Restoration Ltd will look at the most common myths regarding alopecia areata, so that you can educate yourselves with the facts. 

 

 

Alopecia areata is only one type of hair loss. It is a common misconception that alopecia areata is just another name for hair loss. There are actually many different types of hair loss in which alopecia can manifest itself in, such as: 

 

Traction alopecia – Traction alopecia is caused by tight hairstyles pulling on the scalp and hair follicles for an extended period of time. This type of alopecia can be temporary, but only if caught early on enough. 

 

Alopecia areata patchy – This form of alopecia presents itself through small round patches of hair falling out. Again, this is usually temporary but can happen a few times over a lifetime. 

 

Alopecia areata totalis – A temporary form of air loss, affecting the whole scalp. 

 

Alopecia areata universalis – This condition affects the hair all over your body, causing it to fall out either temporarily or permanently, depending upon the person's history. 

 

 

Whilst stress may not be the cause behind permanent male pattern baldness, it is certainly a major trigger behind alopecia areata developing. This is down to the fact that stress places strain on your body, and immune system. People with autoimmune disorders will notice that they are more prone to illnesses, and can find that their immune system is in fact turning on good, healthy cells, triggering hair loss. 

It is important to try and avoid stressful situations when possible, and to incorporate exercise, meditation, or walks into your lifestyle, to help combat stress levels. 

 

 

Alopecia areata is often mistaken for a form or symptom of cancer. In fact, it is an auto-immune disease, meaning that your immune system is attacking your own body. A healthy immune system will target and destroy any harmful threats such as disease and infections. But with an autoimmune disease, your immune system turns on itself and begins attacking healthy cells. The effects of this can be devastating, and aren’t limited to alopecia areata; you can also develop other disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease, to name a few. 

 

 

 

Finding a few stray hairs in the shower after washing your hair isn’t anything out of the ordinary. This is a very natural process and allows for more hair to grow in its place. If anything, shampooing regularly is a good thing, as it cleans and strengthens your hair! Avoid shampooing too much, as this can be detrimental, as overusing shampoo will strip your hair of its natural oils. 

 

 

This is completely false. Autoimmune disorders are passed on genetically and are not usually prevalent until they have the right environmental or hormonal factors to trigger them. Injuries, stress, and illness can all be environmental triggers that can lead to alopecia areata developing. 

 

If you are concerned about your hair loss and suffering from alopecia areata, or perhaps you are looking for a hair transplant surgery in Manchester, Birmingham, Leamington Spa, Nottingham, or even London, why not contact Elite Hair Restoration Ltd for a free online no-obligation consultation, and be sure to look at our testimonials page to see how we have helped previous customers on Doctify!