International Alopecia Day Alopecia Day is celebrated worldwide on 3 August. The day aims to raise awareness about alopecia which affects millions of people worldwide, however, people do not talk enough about the condition. This year will mark the 15th year of International Alopecia Day.

Alopecia can affect just your scalp or your entire body. The condition can be temporary or permanent and may be the result of genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but the condition is more common in men.

According to the Mayo Clinic, baldness usually refers to excessive hair loss from your head. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people choose to let their hair loss remain untreated and undisguised. Others may hide it with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the available treatments to stop hair loss or restore growth.

Symptoms of Alopecia

Hair loss can appear in different ways, depending on what is causing the condition. Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of hair loss.

Gradual thinning of hair on top of the head

This is the most common type of hair loss and usually affects people as they age. In men, hair begins to recede at the hairline on the forehead. In women, their hairline usually widens.

circular or patchy bald spots

Some people develop circular or patchy bald spots on their head, beard, or eyebrows.

Sudden hair loss

When you experience a physical or emotional shock, your hair starts to come loose. Handfuls of hair may come out while combing or washing your hair or even with gentle pulling. This is temporary but can cause thinning of hair.

Whole body hair loss

Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can cause hair to fall out all over your body. In such situations, the hair usually grows back.

patches of scaling spread over the scalp

This is a sign of ringworm. It may also cause hair breakage, redness, swelling, and sometimes discharge.

Causes of Alopecia

There are many reasons behind hair loss. Here’s a look at some of the causes of alopecia.

Hereditary

The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that occurs with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male pattern baldness, and female pattern baldness.

Hormonal changes and medical conditions

There are many health conditions that can cause permanent or temporary hair loss. These include hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions also include alopecia areata which is related to the immune system and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm and hair pulling disease

Medications and supplements

Many people can lose hair due to certain medications, such as drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, cardiovascular problems, gout, and high blood pressure.

radiation therapy

People may lose hair after radiation therapy and their hair may never regrow.

stressful event

Many people’s hair begins to thin several months after physical or emotional trauma. This hair loss is temporary.

Hairstyling and Treatments

When you do excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, it can cause traction alopecia which is a type of hair loss. Hot-oil hair treatments and permanent hair perms can also cause hair loss.

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