Different types of alopecia ...

Different types of alopecia ...

different types of alopecia blog post

Different types of alopecia.

When I first started experiencing alopecia I didn’t even realise that losing your hair when you were not sick was even a thing never mind that there was numerous different types of alopecia!

Alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis .... it’s enough to overwhelm anyone Isn’t it!?  

Now, I’m am certainly no expert on the different types of alopecia or the ways that different types can present themselves in people but I have had the privilege of getting to meet with hundreds of women (if not thousands!) over the course of running aspire hair who have taught me so much.  

I have put together to today’s blog post by using the wealth of knowledge of one of my favourite sites to visit when it comes to learning more about alopecia and getting support.  

That website is the alopecia uk website.  


alopecia areata, totalis & universalis

Alopecia Areata (AA) is understood to be an autoimmune condition. The immune system which normally protects the body from foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This is what leads to hair loss.

Read more about alopecia areata, totalis and universalis, how it presents itself and treatment options on the AUK website here 


Androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic Alopecia is often referred to as 'Male Pattern Hair Loss' or 'Female Pattern Hair Loss'. It is the most common type of hair loss affecting approximately 50% of men over the age of 50 and around 50% of women over the age of 65. Androgenetic Alopecia can also affect younger men and women. It is caused by a number of genetic and hormonal factors.

Read more about androgenetic alopecia, it’s causes and treatment options on the AUK website here.  


Scarring alopecia. 

Scarring Alopecias refers to a rare group of disorders that destroy hair follicles. Occasionally they are referred to as cicatricial alopecias. The hair follicles are replaced with scar tissue (hence the name). In some cases the hair loss is without symptoms and can go unnoticed for long periods

Read more about Scarring alopecia/s it’s, causes and treatment options on the AUK website here.  

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Telogen & Anagen Effluvium. 

Normally 10% of a person's hair is in the telogen phase. Telogen effluvium occurs when there is a higher than average amount of hair shedding, 30% of more. Common triggers for this change in the usual telogen stage include childbirth, trauma, illness, bereavement, sudden weight loss, new medication or hormonal changes. In around a third of those affected, no cause can be found.

Read more about Telogen & Anagen Effuvium, it’s, causes and treatment options on the AUK website here.  

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I want to say a massive thank you to alopecia UK for always sharing their knowledge on alopecia with us sufferers! Their website is a wonderful resourse and if you haven’t checked them out already then you definitely should! 

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