All posts by miriam

Researchers from the Columbia University Medical Center in New York have reportedly identified eight genes which cause the hair loss condition alopecia areata, in a discovery which may pave the way for new, more effective treatments.

Alopecia areata affects both men and women, and has a surprisingly large number of sufferers throughout the world. It causes small patches of hair to fall out, often taking years to grow back. The condition sometimes develops into alopecia totalis (total scalp hair loss) and even alopecia universalis (full body hair loss).

The latest breakthrough by biomedical researchers at Columbia have linked the condition to eight genes, finding that they are the same as those associated with other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes.

Doctor Angela Christiano, the senior researcher on the new study and also an alopecia areata sufferer, studied the genes of over 1,000 people with the condition, comparing their genetic makeup to that of over 3,200 non-sufferers. As well as identifying the eight genes, she also found that the more genes each sufferer carried, the more serious their condition was likely to be.

Implications

Speaking of the implications of the study’s findings, Dr Christiano explained how treatments that are already being developed for other auto-immune diseases could be used as a hair loss treatment. She said:

“Finally, we have the possibility of developing drugs that specifically target the mechanism behind the disease.”

Alopecia areata is a condition which causes hair to fall out in patches or spots on the scalp, sometimes developing into total hair loss on the head (called alopecia totalis) or the whole body (alopecia universalis).

This condition is particularly distressing for sufferers because it happens so suddenly, seemingly unprompted. Unfortunately, alopecia areata can also affect children, leaving many parents worried and unsure what to do.

The good news for parents is that although there is no outright cure for this condition, there is treatment available to control it. What’s more, a large number of child sufferers recover and get their hair back within approximately twelve months. Only a small number go on to develop alopecia totalis; in this case, it is recommended to seek treatment with a specialist.

Symptoms

The symptoms to look out for with alopecia areata in children include:

• The sudden appearance of oval or round bald patches
• Smooth skin where the hair has fallen out, with no scaling or broken hairs
• Occasionally, children with alopecia areata also experience ridging and pitting of the nails

Causes

Alopecia is thought to be an auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, and it has often been found to run in families. There are other environmental triggers too, such as excessive emotional stress.

Treatment

Doctors may prescribe corticosteroid creams or ointments for children with alopecia, which are applied to the bald patches. Whilst waiting for the hair to eventually grow back, a temporary option is specially made human hair wigs for children.

Hair loss in children can be extremely frightening and frustrating for parents, resulting in many panicked trips to the family doctor. But why does it happen?

As with hair loss in adults, are many potential causes for thinning hair and bald patches in children. The first and most common of these is Tinea Capitis or ringworm of the scalp.

Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection or dermatophytosis affecting the scalp. It often causes round or oval scaly patches of hair loss on the child’s head, where the hair breaks off at the surface leaving what looks like black dots in the skin.

Diagnosis

After inspecting the appearance of the child’s scalp, a doctor suspecting Tinea Capitis can use a microbial culture or Wood’s lamp test (using ultraviolet light to identify infected hairs) to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment generally involves the child taking an antifungal medicine for approximately eight weeks, whilst also using an anti-fungal shampoo two to three times a week.

Other information

Tinea Capitis is contagious, so you should ensure your child doesn’t share things like hats, hairbrushes or pillows with anyone else until the treatment is finished.

Read Part 2 of this guide for information about another cause of children’s hair loss, Alopecia Areata.

Hair loss in women can have a devastating effect, both psychologically and emotionally. The condition is more readily accepted in men as they get older but there is unfortunately a stigma attached to hair loss in women.

Why does hair loss happen?

There are many ways women who experiencing hair loss can manage the hair loss effectively, but it’s important to understand the underlying causes of the condition first. Contrary to some misinformed myths, hair loss in women is not caused by over-brushing or washing hair, nor is it caused by hair dye or bleach (at least, not permanently).

The most common causes of female hair loss include:

  • Chemotherapy

Hair loss is a temporary side-effect of this treatment.

  • Telogen effluvium

This condition generally occurs a few months after a major shock or trauma, such as childbirth, excessive stress, an operation, sudden weight loss or even as a reaction to particular medication.  Women with this condition usually experience thinning or shedding of the hair, but it is not normally permanent.

  • Androgenetic alopecia (female-pattern baldness)

This is where the hair thins or sheds with age, usually after the menopause. This condition also tends to run in families.

  • Alopecia areata

This condition mostly occurs in young adults or teenagers, its effects are sometimes temporary.  Caused by problems with the immune system, symptoms include patchy hair loss.

1 Comment

As part of a bold, innovative new Channel 4 documentary series called ‘First Cut’, a new programme is set to explore the causes of trichotillomania, commonly known as compulsive hair pulling.

This issue has been relatively unexplored until now, with the exception of a documentary film in 2003 called Bad Hair Life. Recent statistics show that around 2 per cent of the population suffers with trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder, although cases often go unrecorded as victims are ashamed of their compulsive hair-pulling behaviour.

The Channel 4 documentary ‘Girls on the Pull’ will examine the causes behind trichotillomania and the impact it can have on a person’s life. Female hair loss can have a devastating effect on a woman’s confidence and self-esteem, especially as today’s society sees hair as a symbol of femininity, health, sexuality and youth.

The documentary will therefore meet three women who currently live with this life-altering condition – in varying degrees of severity – and who are desperate to find a solution.

Two of these three women are currently undergoing hair loss treatment at Lucinda Ellery, industry specialists in female hair loss. Throughout the documentary, the consultancy will provide expert insights into trichotillomania, using their own experience as a clinic to discuss in detail the issues surrounding compulsive hair-pulling.

‘Girls on the Pull’ will be broadcast on Friday 16th July at 7.30pm on Channel 4.

There are various Hair Loss Forums on the internet that tend to cover a broad range of subjects relating to hair loss.  People comment on various treatments within these forums and some of these comments can be helpful although finding a solution to help manage your hair loss is a very personal decision that can only be made by you!

It is good for women to talk to each other about their hair problems as you can get some good advice but what works for one person may not work for you so if you are seeking ethical advice about your hair loss then you should visit your GP, Dermatologist or Registered Consultant Trichologist.  Getting a formal diagnosis for your hair loss is a positive step forward as you will then know if it is something you have to manage either in the short term or in the long term.  They will also advise you on what your treatment options are.

Hair Loss Forums can be a good way of finding a support mechanism from other hair loss sufferers but professional advice can only come from those that are qualified – your GP, Dermatologist or Registered Consultant Trichologist.