Alopecia Areata: Causes and Treatments

As Phoebe Waller-Bridge put it best in her award-winning show, Fleabag, “Hair is everything. We wish it wasn't, so we could actually think about something else occasionally, but it is. It's the difference between a good day and a bad day…” And as every sufferer of alopecia areata knows all too well, it’s the cold hard truth.

When it comes to every ailment or annoyance we encounter, the ultimate comfort comes with knowing we’re not alone. Gifted with luscious, flowing locks, and a diagnosis of alopecia areata, I’ve learned that while there is no cure, there are helpful treatments, products, and maintenance practices to live by. So, what do we really know about alopecia areata?

What Exactly is Alopecia Areata? 

When we hear the term alopecia, we can’t help but visualize total hair loss. However, there are a number of types of alopecia, all of which result in different levels of severity and hair loss. The three most common types include: alopecia universalis, totalis, and areata.

Alopecia universalis

Alopecia universalis is the most well-known form of alopecia. As the name implies, it’s the condition of losing your hair not only on your scalp but also on your face, eyelashes, eyebrows, and in some cases, your body hair.

Alopecia totalis

Unlike alopecia universalis, totalis affects your scalp alone. Still considered a more advanced form of alopecia, hair loss can range from significant round patches on the scalp to complete hair loss on the head.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata can affect both the body and scalp; however, hair loss presents in patchy, coin-sized patterns across your body. As it’s most certainly less noticeable than the other types, it’s no less traumatizing for sufferers, whether you have fine, thick, or thinning hair.

Alopecia Areata Causes & Diagnosis

Like so many ailments we experience, alopecia is an autoimmune condition. One day, our body sees naturally occurring, healthy cells as foreign and decides it needs to defend your body against them. In the case of alopecia, your hair follicles become the target, and the structures required for hair growth become compromised and stop producing hair.

At this time, precise causes are unknown, although there is a genetic predisposition. There is a correlation between alopecia sufferers with a family history of other autoimmune conditions.

If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, such as finding large clumps of hair on your pillow in the morning or rinsing out handfuls in the shower, there may be other underlying causes. It’s essential to visit a physician to ensure a proper diagnosis and workup.

Finding an Alopecia Areata Treatment Plan that Works for You

Being the woman behind a well-known spa and having a confirmed diagnosis of alopecia areata, I have been lucky enough to experiment with some amazing tools and products. As everyone is unique, you’ll need to find a combination that works for you.

Some natural, symptom-reducing treatments that have been very effective include acupuncture, microneedling, probiotics, and more. Since my diagnosis five years ago, I have discovered a collagen-boosting drink by Skinade. Skinade - 30 Day Supply has been very effective in controlling my symptoms, and the results have been amazing. For anyone who is suffering, I highly recommend giving this a try.

Working in the beauty industry, I have found the responsibility to maintain these ideals of perfection challenging at times. While I do everything in my power to provide corrective skincare services and maintenance treatments at my spas, my ultimate goal is to make my clients feel good from the inside out.

Check out Le Petit Spa’s online shop for your favorite products or come by for a refreshing treatment. We’re located in SouthPark and Ballantyne! Contact us today to make an appointment. We’d love to see you.