Alopecia Areata.  Coping and Overcoming.

Transitions International Group Focuses on Helping Men, Women and Children Suffering from Alopecia Areata and Hair Loss.

Alopecia Areata occurs in males and females of all ages and races; however, onset most often begins in childhood and can be psychologically devastating. Although Alopecia Areata is not life-threatening, it most certainly changes the life of the person suffering from it. 

And with its sudden onset, recurring episodes, and unpredictable course, alopecia areata has a very real psychological impact on the men, women and children whose lives are disrupted by the disease. At present, there is neither a cure for alopecia areata nor drugs approved for its treatment. 
 

Hope for Those Suffering from Alopecia

Transitions International, and it's independent member hair loss treatment and restoration centers have helped thousands of men and women worldwide who suffer the devastating effects of hair loss, baldness, and thinning hair.

Our caring, confidential hair loss counseling provides clients with the ability to make a fully informed decision on which hair loss treatment or hair replacement options are best for their particular type of hair loss.

Our skilled artistic and technical team of non-surgical hair restoration professionals can create for you a sensational new look or a happy "welcome back" to your own favorite style with an individually customized hair addition or replacement solution that is totally natural, and completely undetectable.

The Facts About Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny cup-shaped structures from which hairs grow. This can lead to hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere.

In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter. In many cases, the disease does not extend beyond a few bare patches. In some people, hair loss is more extensive.
 

What Are It's Causes?

In alopecia areata, immune system cells called white blood cells attack the rapidly growing cells in the hair follicles that make the hair. The affected hair follicles become small and drastically slow down hair production. Fortunately, the stem cells that continually supply the follicle with new cells do not seem to be targeted. So the follicle always has the potential to regrow hair.
 

Who Is Most Likely To Get Alopecia? Alopecia areata affects an estimated four million Americans of both sexes and of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. It often begins in childhood. If you have a close family member with the disease, your risk of developing it is slightly increased. If your family member lost his or her first patch of hair before age 30, the risk to other family members is greater. Overall, one in five people with the disease have a family member who has it as well.

Will My Hair Ever Grow Back?

There is every chance that your hair will regrow, but it may also fall out again. No one can predict when it might regrow or fall out. The course of the disease varies from person to person.
 

What Can I Expect Next?

The course of alopecia areata is highly unpredictable.  The hair you have lost may or may not grow back, and you may or may not continue to develop new bare patches.


How Can I Cope With the Effects of This Disease?

This is a common question, particularly for children, teens, and young adults.

Living with hair loss can be hard, especially in a culture that views hair as a sign of youth and good health.

The emotional aspects of living with hair loss, however, can be challenging.

For information on a hair prosthesis, or other hair replacement options, please contact a Transitions member hair replacement center near you.