Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT February 2002 Congratulations! You have been
selected to receive this issue of the "HAIR RESTORATION
REPORT." This report contains tips on how to make the
most out of the hair you already have, slow the hair loss
process and more effectively plan and manage the restoration
of your hair. In This Issue: Alopecia AreataAlopecia Areata is a self-limiting disease that is characterized by asymptomatic, non-inflammatory patches on the scalp. These may lead to depilation or "total alopecia" or "universal alopecia." The disease was first described by the Romans and shortly was discovered all over the world. It affects one in one thousand people of both sexes.Four Types There are four types of Alopecia Areata: Type I The most common which affects about 80% of all patients, typically occurs in the 20 to 40 year age range. Less than 3% of these patients do not regain the growth of their hair after onset of the disease. More than 6% continue to total loss. Type II The second type of Alopecia Areata affects about 10% of the patients and typically lasts more than ten years. Seventy-five percent of these patients do not develop total alopecia. There is reason to suggest that the onset of Type II Alopecia is a result of having asthmatic or autoimmune problems. Type III Type three Alopecia Areata affects about 4% of all patients. These are primarily young adults, and nearly 40% of all of these patients develop total Alopecia. These patients also have hypertension, which may suggest a link. Type IV Type four Alopecia Areata affects about 5% of all patients, most of which are over the age of 40. Origin The etiology (or origin) of Alopecia Areata is unknown. Some suggest that it is simply a dysfunction of the hair cycle. Others think that it is a result of immune or autoimmune complications. Most agree, though, that stress is of little importance in causing the disease. These are no microbial agents or infections found, but there is some evidence to suggest that it may be triggered by an unknown virus. Symptoms Alopecia Areata commonly occurs as one or more patches on the scalp but can also appear on the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair. The patches are typically ivory white with no scales or redness. They typically appear as a smooth patch and are often found by accident by barbers, hair stylists, friends or a spouse. The hair tends to pull out easily at the edge of the patch. This process starts small and slowly spreads. There are no other associated symptoms, but some patients complain of burning, itching or numbness when touched. The initial patch may grow over with normal hair after a period of a few months or another patch may develop. There seems to be no consistency between patches, and in some patients they will combine or separate at will over the course of months or years. Since this disease is self-limiting, most patchy areas do grow back over time. Treatment The treatment for Alopecia Areata is primarily cortocosteroids. These are administered orally or subcutaneously into the patches. This treatment can be relatively successful but it can ONLY be administered by a licensed medical doctor. I wrote this article because I am often asked about this disease and thought I would take this opportunity to share the specifics. If you or anyone you know is experiencing symptoms as described above, we urge you to seek immediate medical treatment from a Board Certified Hair Restoration Physician. Thank you and my best to you all, Randall Sword, M.D., F.A.C.E.P. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Give Us Your Feedback Is there a topic you would like Dr. Sword to talk about? Let us know. Dr. Sword established this report to help educate and inform YOU his patients! His passion is helping men and women to enjoy a fuller and more enriching life that comes with the confidence of having a full head of hair. Contact us at info@swordmedical.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ****** Want to know more about the many options available to you in hair restoration, hair maintenance and hair replacement? Contact the Sword Medical Center office nearest you 1-800-242-6900 or go to www.swordmedical.com ******* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Virtual Hair Restoration Consultation In upcoming issues...
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