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| Alopecia Areata Awareness Blue Ribbon Angel |
Alopecia areata affects approximately two percent of the population overall, including more than 5 million people in the United States alone. This common skin disease is highly unpredictable and cyclical. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, and the disease course is different for each person.
Current research suggests that something triggers the immune system to suppress the hair follicle. It isn't known what this trigger is, and whether it comes from outside the body like a virus, or from inside. Recent research indicates that some persons have genetic markers that increase both their susceptibility to develop alopecia areata, as well as the degree of disease severity.
In alopecia areata, the
affected hair follicles are mistakenly attacked in groups by a person's own
immune system (white blood cells), resulting in the arrest of the hair growth
stage. These affected follicles become very small, drastically slow down
production, and grow no hair visible above the surface for months or years.
The scalp is the most commonly affected area, but the beard or any hair-bearing site can be affected alone or together with the scalp. Some people develop only a few bare patches that regrow hair within a year. No matter how widespread the hair loss, the hair follicles remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal.
The scalp is the most commonly affected area, but the beard or any hair-bearing site can be affected alone or together with the scalp. Some people develop only a few bare patches that regrow hair within a year. No matter how widespread the hair loss, the hair follicles remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal.
At present, there is no
cure for alopecia areata, although the hair may return by itself. There are
various treatments, which are most effective in milder cases, but none are
universally effective.
Alopecia areata is not
medically disabling; persons with alopecia areata are usually in excellent
health. But emotionally, this disease can be challenging, especially for those
with extensive hair loss. There are thousands of successful, well-adjusted,
contented people living with this disease. The emotional pain of alopecia
areata can be overcome with one's own inner resources, sound medical facts, and
the support of others.
Sometimes professional counseling from a psychiatrist,
psychologist, or social worker is needed to develop one's self-confidence and
positive self-image.
The above information came from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). One of the purposes of the NAAF is to reach out
to individuals and families with alopecia areata and help them live full,
productive lives.
Let this Blue Ribbon Angel
help bring Awareness to the cause for Alopecia Areata.
Read more about Alopecia Areata on NAAF website: http://www.naaf.org
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Read more about Alopecia Areata on NAAF website: http://www.naaf.org
Buy this Blue Awareness Ribbon Angel on the Awareness Gallery Zazzle Gift Store or CafePress Unique Gifts Store!
View the images and pictures on the Blue Awareness Ribbon Pinterest Board.
