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Today, the whole world knows about alopecia!

Today, the whole world knows about alopecia!

At the recent Oscars ceremony, the most talked-about moment revolved around a disease that causes hair loss. Although it's unclear if comedian Chris Rock knew that at the time he made a joke about her baldness, the actor Will Smith, stepped on stage, hit Rock in the face and told him to keep quiet about his wife.

The entire internet is now in shock over what has happened, and people are asking,

WHAT IS ALOPECIA? 

DOES JADA HAVE ALOPECIA?

YES! 

Jada Pinkett Smith has an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata, where her immune system attacks her hair follicles, causing her hair to fall out.

Currently, there is no cure for alopecia, and sufferers may experience hair loss in large or small patches on their heads and faces, but it can also affect other areas of the body.

 

What else should we know about alopecia?

As the National Alopecia Araeta Foundation mentions, there are various types of alopecia that can be read about in this article.

 

However, we have compiled a list of the main types and their differences.

Alopecia Areata

This is one of the most commonly reported types of hair loss, referring to bald patches or spots on the scalp.

Alopecia Totalis

This is hair loss affecting the whole of the head, including eyelashes and eyebrows. It is a more advanced stage of alopecia areata, which progresses to totalis and universalis in around 1 – 2 per cent of cases.

Alopecia Universalis

This term relates to hair loss all over the body, meaning that the entire epidermis is free from hair. It is the most severe form of alopecia areata, and as such is quite rare, occurring only in around 1 in 100,000 people.

As well as the three types of alopecia outlined above, there are a couple of other ways alopecia can be classified. These include:

• Alopecia areata barbae – this is hair loss limited only to the male beard
• Alopecia areata multicularis – this refers to multiple areas or patches of hair loss
• Alopecia areata monocularis – one area of baldness, found in any location on the scalp

Although the hair loss caused by alopecia is caused by a malfunctioning immune system, there is no medical treatment for it. Alopecia areata is not a sign of poor health, nor is it contagious, painful, or dangerous. 

Currently, there are no treatments that can reverse the course of alopecia areata or cure it. Still, some people with the condition seek medication, therapies, and other solutions to help manage it and regrow hair.

Therefore, we leave you with these words:

Often, we are quick to judge others without giving them the benefit of the doubt... but the truth is, you never know what someone is going through.

In the world where you can be everyone, always be kind! 

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