How to Identify Symptoms of Alopecia
Alopecia is the medical term for sudden hair loss. The hair loss that occurs with this condition occurs rapidly and in circular patches on the scalp. Some individuals also lose the hair on their eyebrows, eyelashes, beards, their private areas and even the underarms. Alopecia is common in both men and women, and while many might think it strikes only middle-aged or older people, it often appears before a young man or woman reaches his or her twenties. Medical researchers don't know what causes alopecia, but learning how to understand and identify symptoms of alopecia prompts may individuals to seek early treatment.
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Instructions
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Check your hair in a mirror. Is your hair thinner than it used to be? Does it come out in chunks when you brush or come it? One of the early symptoms of alopecia, or sudden hair loss, it to find large amounts or strands of hair in your brush or come every morning.
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Look at the patterns of hair loss on the scalp. Can you see circular or round patches of scalp? In most cases, individuals experiencing hair loss caused by alopecia do so in round or circular patches.
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Pay attention to any signs of intense itching on the scalp or on other areas of the body where hair generally grows. In some cases, individuals may believe they are suffering from insect bites or a rash. Others notice more severe itching if he or she is under a lot of stress.
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Watch for tingling or pain in the area where hair loss is occuring. Many individuals complain of mild to moderate pain on the scalp. When alopecia is experienced by men, they may feel tender areas on the jaw or cheek that feel as if they are bruised.
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Watch for signs of pitting in the fingernails, which is a common symptom that occurs in more severe cases of sudden hair loss in both men and women. While many individuals often mistake such signs for a vitamin or mineral deficiency, the pitting of the nails is not improved by diet.
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Tips & Warnings
While there is no cure for alopecia, many people find that hair loss is limited to one area of the scalp or body. Many people waste thousands of dollars on hair growth formulas and hair replacement therapies. Oral cortisone drugs, topical steroids or injections of steroids are often suggested. However, each of those options also come with side effects, so always discuss potential treatments and results with your physician. Often, hair growth recurs in about a year, so sometimes, patience is the key to success.
Notify your physician if you experience increased hair loss or if hair loss doesn't eventually improve.
