September is Alopecia Awareness Month! Alopecia occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss, usually affecting the hair on one's scalp or face. There are three types of alopecia: patchy alopecia, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis. The type of alopecia someone has depends on how much hair loss they experience. For example, patchy alopecia occurs when hair loss happens in small patches, alopecia totalis occurs when one loses all or nearly all of the hair on one's head, and alopecia universalis occurs when there is a complete or almost complete loss of hair on one's scalp, face, and rest of the body.
Although our understanding of what causes alopecia is still unknown, researchers believe that a mix of genetic and environmental factors may trigger the onset of alopecia. Researchers also found that those more likely to get alopecia are people who already have an autoimmune disease. This is especially seen in those diagnosed with psoriasis, thyroid disease, or vitiligo.
While there is no cure for alopecia currently, there are treatment options to help hair growth. For example, a new drug, ritlecitinib—or a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor—was approved earlier this year in England and Wales for those with a severe form of alopecia. Only a few patients have been prescribed the new drug, however, it is a step in the right direction in finding new treatment options for those with alopecia. Have you been diagnosed with alopecia? Share your story by making a video (this could be done anonymously).
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