Alopecia is considered to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny cup-shaped structures from which hairs grow. This can lead to hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere. In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter. In many cases, the disease does not extend beyond a few bare patches.

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease that results in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches. It occurs in males and females of all ages and races, but onset most often occurs in childhood. It is estimated that approximately two percent of the population will be affected at some point in their lives, or over 4.5 million people in the United States.

Yes, heredity plays a role. In one out of five persons with alopecia areata, someone else in the family also has it. Those who develop alopecia areata for the first time after the age of thirty years have less likelihood that another family member will have it. Those who develop their first patch of alopecia areata before the age of thirty have a higher possibility that other family members will also have it.

No, it is not a nervous disorder. Those who have alopecia areata have not caused it and have no control over its course.

present, there is no cure for alopecia areata, although the hair may return by itself. There are various treatments, which are most effective in milder cases, but none are universally effective.

The word alopecia itself is a term specifically used for hair loss yet there are many subtypes of alopecia. These are the three primary subtypes of alopecia: Alopecia Areata - Patchy loss of hair whether that means patches on your legs, arms, pubic region, scalp, lashes or brows. Each of the terms are for more descriptive purposes since the each of the types can sometimes be vague and symptoms may seem to "overlap" each other in places.

In alopecia totalis, immune system cells called white blood cells attack the rapidly growing cells in the hair follicles that make the hair. The affected hair follicles become small and drastically slow down hair production. Fortunately, the stem cells that continually supply the follicle with new cells do not seem to be targeted. So the follicle always has the potential to regrow hair.

This is a common question, particularly for children, teens, and young adults who are beginning to form lifelong goals and who may live with the effects of alopecia totalis for many years. The comforting news is that alopecia totalis is not a painful disease and does not make people feel sick physically. It is not contagious, and people who have the disease are generally healthy otherwise.

www.AlopeciaIreland.org - A website dedicated to providing support and information to people with Alopecia Areata, Totalis and Universalis in Ireland and the rest of the world too! www.ChildrensAlopeciaProject.org - This websites goal is to generate public awareness of the disease and to raise money for research and build Self-esteem via support group participation for children and their parents. www.CARFIntl.

Yes, the treatment approach is difference and the prognosis is also difference. That is, Alopecia is treatable with great success, while Alopecia totalis is not curable using homeopathy. Steroids may help but superficially. Our experience suggests that by use of steroids, most patients get more spots elsewhere on the skin. Steroids do not address internal autoimmune disorder. Well, they are very useful during acute attacks. But, they do not cure chronic urticaria, in my experience.

Alopecia areata is not medically disabling; persons with alopecia areata are usually in excellent health. But emotionally, this disease can be challenging, especially for those with extensive hair loss. One of the purposes of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation is to reach out to individuals and families with alopecia areata and help them live full, productive lives. There are thousands of successful, well-adjusted, contented people living with this disease.

Raises funds and awards research grants to study the cause of alopecia areata, to develop effective treatments, and to seek a cure. Provides emotional support through personal contact and written materials to help those with alopecia areata and their families. Co-sponsors International Research Workshops on alopecia areata with the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The only medically proven hair loss treatments for male pattern baldness are Propecia (finasteride), Low Level Laser Therapy, Rogaine (minoxidil), as well as hair replacement surgery, which can be performed in our Massachusetts and Rhode Island facilities.