Alopecia Awareness Month

You might be asking, what is alopecia and why does it have its own month? Alopecia simply put is baldness. It has its own month because it affects 6.8 million people in the United States and carries a lifetime risk of 2.1%. Alopecia can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair and is often most visible on the scalp and in beards. Patches of baldness are called Alopecia Areata, and are seen in smaller, specific areas. Alopecia Totalis refers to total baldness of the scalp. Alopecia Universalis is when hair is missing from the entire body. In these cases, the cause is autoimmune related.

However, there are many different types of alopecia. For example, when men lose their hair as they age, they typically have Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). This is caused by hereditary factors and hormones. Some post-menopausal women have a hairline that moves far back, leaving a shiny scalp and just a few lone hairs in the front. This is called Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) and is cause by something called lichen planopilaris and possibly ingredients in sunscreens. The affects can be devastating.

Small bald spots are more common than you think. 

If you suddenly see a small bald spot on your scalp don’t be alarmed! This is more common than you think. In many cases the hair will grow back. But, if the spot continues to grow or if you see multiple spots, I recommend seeing a Certified Trichologist, a specialist in disorders of the hair and scalp. They can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss and recommend a treatment plan that is best for you.

Karen Gordon is the President of Karen Gordon Hair Loss Solutions. She is a Certified Trichologists and Director of Cosmetology for the World Trichology Society, USA. She sees clients in her Chicago office and virtually. To schedule a consultation please call (773) 871-0770 or visit karengordonhair.com/contact.

—Karen Gordon, Certified Trichologist