Living with Alopecia Areata

Have you come across people who have a bald patch or patches on their heads? Occurring mostly in children and young adults, this is a hair lost condition that affects the scalp, usually on one side of the head more than the other. There is a generalized thinning of the hair, and a rapid hair loss.

Commonly known as alopecia areata, this condition is caused by an abnormality in the immune system. The body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation.

Alopecia areata is associated with other conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. The most common type of this disorder is the lost of hair on one or more areas on the scalp. Another pattern is when all of the scalp hair is lost, and this is called alopecia totalis. Less frequently is the loss of all hairs on the whole body, and this is called alopecia universalis.

This is a chronic disorder, and there is no single remedy for it. There are a few remedies, like oils and creams. Other medications include minoxidil, irritants and steroid injections. To those with mild cases, a treatment or a combination of treatments could work and there is significant hair regrowth. For for some who have the severe variants, treatment is very difficult.

Another important thing to look at is the psychological impact of alopecia areata. It is understandable that individuals with this conditions, most especially children, undergo a great degree of psychological distress. Studies show that there is a strong risk of development of anxiety disorder, depressive episode, social phobia and paranoid disorder.

Children, in particular, have to undergo a lot of difficulty coping with this condition. They could be more depressed, withdrawn, anxious, and even aggressive or delinquent at times. So how does one cope with the discomfort and emotional issues that this condition brings?

It is being advised that those with alopecia areata be really educated about the definition of what they have. It could give some comfort to make them aware that what they have is not contagious, does not make them more sick, and that it does not affect life expectancy. It would be a very helpful to give them a lot of information about the condition, and allow them to speak to others with the same condition. Specially for young children, it would be cathartic to speak about their emotional difficulties and issues. To be in the presence of those undergoing the same concerns would allow them to realize that they are not alone wit this condition, and that others may share their anxieties.

If there are foundations and support groups in your area, it would be best to join them. These groups would not only allow interaction and support with other individuals with the condition, but it would be a good source of new information, and other possible cures that could eventually help.

Counseling to help a more positive self-image is another option. Qualified professionals could assist in coming up with coping mechanisms and dynamics in living with this condition.

A condition like alopecia areata can lead to a degree of insecurity and tendencies to withdraw. Still, it should not actually interfere with the ability to try to live a normal life and achieve goals. Any child could be successful in school, enjoy joining extra-curricular activities they wish to be part of, and excel in sports. Dating, getting married and starting a family should still be a part of their life's plans.

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation has a website that offers a lot of information. They announce the availability of newsletters,conventions, support groups and message boards that could give assistance to those with alopecia areata from different places.

Resources:
http://www.medicine.net.com/alopecia_areata/article.htm
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7522/951
http://skin.emedtv.com/alopecia-areata/living-with-alopecia-areata-p2.html