We take pride in our hair, it can be scary to come to terms with reality when hair loss sets in.
Certain factors like protein deficiency, chemo, and low vitamin levels can result in hair loss. Alopecia areata is a more severe form of hair loss, which makes men feel like they’re standing between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Alopecia areata is incurable. A good way to avoid it is to know the conditions that cause it.
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A Holistic Take Of Alopecia Areata
Experts have revealed that alopecia areata which is a common type of autoimmune disorder is the major cause of hair loss in men. It is identified by a systemic shredding of hair strands. This can be found over a circular region on the scalp.
If you’ve noticed that your hair is falling out in small patches, don’t panic! You’re not alone. A study by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation discovered that there are over 6.8 million cases of the autoimmune disorder in the USA.
What Conditions Trigger Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is triggered when a person’s immune system comes under attack due to a genetic disruption.
Once the privileges of hair follicles are breached, they begin to lose their potency. During such events, the hair follicles suffer massive damages. Attacks cause them to lose their efficiency.
Some common conditions that trigger Alopecia Areata are:
Stress
Stress causes a major distortion to the immune system. Experts believe that high-stress levels can cause a situation known as Telogen effluvium. It adversely affects the number of hair follicles that support hair growth. This results in shedding in the areas where hair follicles are absent.
Poor Dieting
A major cause of AA is the lack of proper nutrients in the body. Poor nutrition has serious effects on the immune system.
In this case, the hair follicles lack the proper nutrients which they need to function effectively. This can lead to various forms of hair loss, which also includes alopecia areata.
Poor hygiene
The presence of pathogens has also been traced to some cases where the immune system was compromised. According to Nature Research in 2006, the immune system can be distorted when pathogens release toxins that interact with the immune system.
A poor environment can be a breeding ground for toxins. It targets the immune system while trying to survive in the host. During this period, several cells are affected. Thus creating an abnormal situation for hair follicles.
Other Autoimmune Diseases
Being an Autoimmune disease, alopecia areata can be triggered by other diseases that fall under the autoimmune category.
If a person suffers from diseases like celiac, rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes, the symptoms of alopecia areata may become present. This is because the autoimmune disorder was introduced by other immune disrupting conditions.
What You Can Do To Stay Safe
Since alopecia areata occurs randomly, studies show that a person who suffered from AA reported a prior case amongst a family member. This shows findings that link alopecia areata to genetics.
Once you notice that a member of your family is experiencing the condition, it is advised that you make a conscious effort towards changing your diet. You will need to choose food items that have a high nutritional value. This will keep your immune system in great shape.
It is also a good idea to maintain a clean environment. This will help with avoiding a breeding ground for pathogens.
To sum it all up, it is important to take routine breaks between heavy tasks. This encourages cell regeneration and reduces stress. Failing to rest adequately could result in an autoimmune disorder. This results in a major cause of alopecia areata.
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Recently updated on January 28th, 2023
