'Alopecia' is the word used to describe any type of baldness/hair loss

Alopecia

'Alopecia' is the word used to describe any type of baldness/hair loss, on the scalp, or of other hairy regions of the body.

Most hair loss is not a disease but a perfectly normal process of aging and/or hormone change and put aside by many general practitioners because it is ‘not life threatening’. However, the fine line between normal and excessive loss of hair causes great concern to many, therefore correct diagnosis and care can alleviate worries during phases of patchy hair loss, diffuse shedding and thinning/balding. Psychological effects are far reaching.

Very often the word alopecia is used to describe either, a ‘patchy’ loss of hair, as in alopecia areata, or, a ‘diffuse’ loss of hair, meaning general loss. The two are sometimes seen together and can be related to the same cause or separate conditions.

More often than not, alopecia areata resolves itself. For the cases that do not correct themselves there are therapies. However, applications, injections and electrotherapy can initiate growth but the patient must be aware of the variability of the results, if at all.

Web: www.alopeciaonline.org.uk 

Web: www.alopecia-awareness.org.uk