What is alopecia areata? Know about the condition Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from

The aam Janta seems divided and sides with Will Smith who beats Chris Rock on live TV at the 94th Academy Awards. The altercation has once again shamed the whole body as acceptable public joke discourse. Out of nowhere, Jada Pinkett Smith’s medical condition Alopecia has become the talk of the town. Alopecia Areata to be precise.

What is alopecia?

Hair loss due to autoimmune diseases is called Alopecia. The hair loss is subjective to the patient. It can be just a tuft of hair in places to even complete baldness. Recovery is also subjective. Hair loss in some is temporary, but for some, unfortunately, the damage is much less reversible.

Jada Pinkett Smith announced her own battle with the disease and its public diagnosis in 2018.

Etymology of alopecia

The word comes from the Greek root άλώπηξ (alōpēx), meaning ‘fox’, referring to hair loss of animals that live constantly throughout their short lives. The term “Diffuse Alopecia in Women” was initially used until 1942.

Symptoms of alopecia

Some of the more prominent signs of alopecia include:

  • Significant loss of hair/locks in a very short time
  • Sudden thinning hair and receding hairline
  • Significant hair loss during winter
  • Small bald spots appear on the scalp and other parts of the body
  • Bald spots get bigger and form a bald spot
  • Fingernails and toenails turn red and brittle

What follows bald patches is an itchy and sometimes burning sensation. However, there is generally no redness or rash. These are some common symptoms. Your doctor may also be able to diagnose other signs and symptoms.

Different types of alopecia

Alopecia Areata Totalis – Total hair loss on your head. Scalp screams bald!

Alopecia Areata Universalis – Total hair loss all over the body. However, this one is quite rare.

Diffuse Alopecia Areata – Sudden thinning and hair loss.

Ophiasis Alopecia Areata – Band-shaped hair loss on the side and back of your head.

The condition causes female pattern baldness.

Image: Wikimedia/Ludwig Scale of Female Pattern Baldness

Causes and risk factors of alopecia

  • Autoimmune disease – As mentioned before, it is caused by autoimmune conditions, so obviously. Here your immune system fights against your own body, especially against the hair follicles.
  • Down syndrome
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Thyroid
  • Other skin conditions like Vitiligo
  • Heredity – it is the most common cause of all forms of baldness.
  • radiation therapy Hair loss is common after chemotherapy/radiation therapy.
  • emotional shock/stress – This may come as a shock, but even trauma can cause significant hair loss.
  • Nutrition – needless to say, poor nutrition will cause your hair follicles to give up their ghost!

Hair Loss Prevention

Obviously, permanent hair loss is not reversible. However, here are a few tips to keep your crop intact as it is.

  • Avoid rough treatment of your hair with curlers, hot rollers, etc.
  • Avoid combing and brushing while your hair is still dripping wet.
  • Avoid securing your hair with too much tension when braiding or connecting or using barrettes, etc.
  • Protect your hair from UV light.
  • Quit smoking.
  • And this one is from your primary science textbook – Eat a Balanced Diet!

It takes a lot of guts and courage to embrace your hairless self. However, it should not deter and dent your confidence and charisma. Hairless is also flawless. More power for celebrities like Jada and ordinary people suffering from Alopecia and other chronic conditions.

Meanwhile, Will Smith has apologized to Chris Rock for hitting him at the Oscars

Cover image: instagram/Jada Pinkett Smith

Ref: Mayo Clinic, WebMd, American Academy of Dermatology Association.

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