Hair has an esthetic appeal and looks of a person largely depend on the size, color, and style of the hair. It is obvious for people to get stressed when they experience hair fall. It should be noted that it is normal for a person to lose some hair daily. This is because the old hair keeps falling, and the new hair keeps regenerating. But it is also important to know the difference between a normal hair fall and a hair fall due to an illness. Alopecia is a hair loss illness in which the hair loss occurs more than usual. It can affect people of any age or sex. Almost 1 % of Americans suffer from this disease.
Alopecia Areata
When the hair loss is in a particular area it is known as Alopecia Areata. It can happen in some areas of the body or on all areas of the body. It is also known as spot baldness since it causes bald spots usually at the scalp. Alopecia Areata occurs when the hair starts falling during the growth phase of its life cycle i.e. Anagen. This is only a temporary loss and body can start re-growth of hair at the affected area naturally. This is a non-scarring type of Alopecia. The main cause of this is believed to be the weak immune system of the body.
Alopecia Areata Totalis
When the alopecia affects the entire scalp, it is termed Alopecia Totalis. This is also a temporary loss, and the hair can re-grow if the body allows. This is a very rare type of hair loss condition.
Alopecia Areata Universalis
When the Alopecia affects the entire body, it is scientifically termed as Alopecia Universalis. In this condition, the rapid hair loss is observed even in eyebrows and eyelashes. This may cause a permanent loss of hair with no chances of re-growth. This is also a rare type of hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia
This is one of the most common types of hair loss and is also known as male pattern baldness. It is observed in both males and females. This is known to be hereditary or as a result of diseases like cancer, obesity, and diabetes. The excessive levels of androgens also cause this kind of hair loss, as this hormone reduces the life span of the hair. It also slows down the development of new hair follicles. In this case, the hair loss is permanent.
Anagen Effuvium
Anagen effuvium is a kind of hair loss that occurs as a side effect of medications, due to consumption of some toxic substances or due to stressful situation, which damages the hair follicles. This type of hair loss is temporary, too.
Traction Alopecia
This is also one of most common types of hair loss. It is generally observed in females who prefer hairstyles, like braiding, pony tail, etc. that puts too much stress on the roots of the hair. Over a period of time this affects the hair follicles and results in the permanent loss of hair.