Alopecia areata is a condition that results in bald patches on the scalp. In most cases, this is due to an adverse autoimmune reaction that has the body’s cells attacking the scalp’s hair follicles. Sometimes, the alopecia areata disorder will disappear within a year or so. At other times, these bald patches can last a long time and may be the beginning of total baldness. So, what triggers alopecia areata?
It Can Be Inherited
Alopecia Areata can be inherited. Close to half the people with the disorder under the age of 30 have a family member who also had alopecia areata. People who are high at risk are those with thyroid disease, asthma, or pernicious anemia. Some so-called experts used to believe that stress was a trigger for alopecia areata. However, later studies have been unable to back up that theory.
Understand that despite the attack from the autoimmune system, your hair follicles themselves will most likely not be destroyed. They are still functional. Therefore, the hair may be able to regrow. The smaller the bald spot, the better the chances of having the hair grow back.
Is There A Cure?
Alopecia areata cannot be cured. There is no actual remedy, but there are ways to help create a healthier scalp to help the follicles promote hair growth. Some people have been successful with corticosteroid injections, others have not. Every individual is different. Some people have cycles of hair loss and regrowth, but not everyone does.
Hair loss, even the temporary kind, can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are some pro-active steps you can take. A healthy diet that includes the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, spinach, and Greek yogurt can help you maintain a healthy scalp and improved hair health.
A shampoo specifically created for alopecia areata may help in improving the condition of your scalp. So many of the regular shampoos we buy and love are filled with harsh chemicals and fragrances that can build up on the scalp. This can cause the hair to dry and become damaged. It can make the condition worse.
Since you need to shampoo your hair to maintain basic cleanliness, it makes sense to use a shampoo that will promote a healthy scalp and hair follicles to help promote hair growth instead of acerbating dry hair and scalp problems. Using a shampoo filled with toxins is a bad idea, as these can be absorbed through the pores. Use the right shampoo and conditioner, and you may see a great deal of improvement in the condition of your scalp.
Be Careful Which Shampoo You Choose
Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates. Sulfates provide you with an abundance of lather while at the same time ruining your scalp. Any shampoo or conditioner containing alcohol can dry your hair and lead to greater hair loss.
You want to use a shampoo with healthy, natural oils that helps to improve your hair’s health. Nut oils act as an excellent hair and scalp moisturizer, and moisture is an important factor in promoting hair growth.
Many people would love to know more about what triggers alopecia areata, but the truth is, it could be a number of things. Taking care of your scalp may be your best protection, especially if you have someone in your family that has it already.
Check out our Making 50s fabulous website where you can get a FREE sample of our products. Our hair products are specifically made to help promote healthier hair and scalp.