This National Hair Loss Awareness Month we spotlight Alopecia – its causes, symptoms and treatments.
August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, which aims to shine a light on Alopecia’s
emotional toll and innovative treatments, sparking hope for those affected.
Alopecia comes in a variety of forms, such as: Alopecia Areata, which manifests as sporadic hair
loss on the body or scalp; Alopecia Totalis, which is the total loss of hair on the scalp; thirdly,
body hair loss is a sign of Alopecia Universalis and Alopecia Barbae that usually results in facial
hair loss such as the beard.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology alopecia is brought on by a combination of
hormonal, autoimmune, and genetic variables. In particular:
- Alopecia runs in the family in 1 out of 5 instances (1:5), suggesting a strong hereditary
component. - One factor contributing to alopecia is autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system
unintentionally targets hair follicles. - In one out of every ten instances, hormonal imbalances—especially thyroid disorders—are the
cause (1:10)
In one in eight cases, alopecia can be brought on by stress, both mental and physical (1:8) - Alopecia can result from taking certain medications, including as those for cancer, high blood
pressure, and depression, in 1 in 20 cases (1:20)
Alopecia symptoms include brittle or fragile hair, bald patches that may enlarge or merge,
redness and irritation in the afflicted regions, and hair loss or thinning, which frequently begins
with small patches.
GRAPHIC: Alopecia by the numbers, understanding its impact
Sizakele Mashinini’s life took an unexpected turn in 2003, when she welcomed her second child
into the world. Two years later, she began to notice a disturbing change – her hair had stopped
growing, and the shedding wouldn’t cease. It was then that she discovered she had central
centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, a diagnosis that would alter her life forever.
For 18 years, Mashinini has navigated the challenges of permanent hair loss, which typically
begins in the central crown of the scalp. As she reflected on her journey with Wits Vuvuzela,
Mashinini opened up about the profound impact it has had on her sense of self.
“Alopecia has taught me that we’re different people suffering from different ‘illnesses,’ however,
it is one condition that truly affects your self-esteem and confidence.” she said.
Alopecia is treated with medications like minoxidil (Rogaine), which promotes hair growth and
decreases hair loss, corticosteroids, which often lower inflammation and encourage growth, and
finasteride (Propecia), which delays hair loss and increases growth. Moreover, there are treatments like Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, which uses platelet-rich plasma to encourage growth, and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), which stimulates hair growth.
Mashinini said: “For me, beauty standards don’t define me. I have discovered strategies to see
past my flaws. I am aware that someone with a strong will is required. I have come to appreciate
the aspects of myself that make me feel more like myself and have accepted the fact that wigs
and other cosmetic alternatives exist to help us “belong.”
In this way she’s found confidence in having no hair and no longer feels pressured to conform to
traditional beauty standards. Mashinini highlights the value of kindness, education, and dispelling stigmas as we promote awareness during National Hair Loss Awareness Month.
“My message to others is to be kind to someone who has alopecia; it can happen to you or
anyone, regardless of colour, age, or creed.”
FEATURED IMAGE: A close-up shot of a woman’s scalp, showing patches of hair loss due to alopecia. Photo by: Stock images.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Wits Vuvuzela: REVIEW: Self Made – Series short-changes life of black hair care pioneer and philanthropist. May, 2020
- Wits Vuvuzela: What am I going to do with my hair? April, 2020
- Wits Vuvuzela: The young and the hairless, March, 2018
