The word Alopecia comes from the Greek work alopex which translates to fox's disease. These days it is defined as hair loss in patches. It is a condition which effects men, women and children randomly. It can occur suddenly and though poses no threat to a person's health it can be brought on by stress, shock, physical trauma, local skin injury, viral or bacterial infection, pregnancy or genetic predisposition.

Alopecia is estimated to effect 1 in 1000 of the population at one time in their life. Although it is not known what the direct cause of Alopecia is, it is thought to be linked to the autoimmune system.

Treatment for Alopecia can be very successful depending on the severity of the condition, with around 50% of patients regrowing hair within one year even without treatment. As the amount of hair lost increases, the treatments available begin to be less hopeful.

It is recommended that the quicker the condition is examined and diagnosed the sooner the treatments can be initiated and the chances of recovery are higher.

As with any hair loss it is important to get expert advice as soon as possible from a registered tricologist or dermatologist.....