Support for Alopecia Areata |
Alopecia areata is an auto immune disease which causes hair loss anywhere from patchy loss on the scalp (areata) to total hair loss over the entire body (universalis). It affects over 4 million people in the United States. There are lots more affected throughout the world, but I don't happen to have any valid statistics regarding these areas. A large percentage of those affected are children. All ethnicies and both sexes can acquire this disease. The cause of this disease is unknown and there is no cure. There are several types of treatments available, but most are uncomfortable and sometimes not effective. I've tried most of the treatments which varied from topical cortisone solution, to injections in my scalp to the use of a chemical allergan called DNCB. I have been fortunate enough to regrow most of my hair by using the most aggressive treatment - the DNCB. The nature of this disease is very unpredictable. Knowing this... I appreciate every day that I can go without covering my head and wear normal hair styles. I lost almost 50% of my hair at one time and know that a future of a full head of hair is not promised to me... until there is a cure. Alopecia Areata is not..... o life threatening (in and of itself) o contagious - so there is no need to fear or shun those affected Alopecia Areata can be.... o severely damaging to an indivdual's self esteem - largely due to how those affected are treated by others - children and adults alike are often ostracized by fellow students and coworkers. People have lost their jobs and intelligent, capable children have been moved into special education classes due to their appearance. Women have stayed in abusive relationships because they are afraid to reveal their hair loss condition to someone new. Support I provide for those affected and their families..... emotional support, assistance with medical claims, information of where to purchase wigs, hair pieces, support group meetings. Support group meetings are held in Burbank, California. I am in the Los Angeles area and am available to speak to your group or organization on the subject of Alopecia Areata. I can be contacted by email via the link below. |
