Other medical conditions

Other medical conditions


There are a number of other medical conditions and diseases causing hair loss. These all
require medical attention. Perhaps the most common is the loss of hair in patches, called
alopecia areata (AA). Although the frequency of AA is relatively small (about 0.1% of the
population) it attracts a great deal of media attention. In its most severe form total loss of
scalp and sometimes body hair, can occur. Most sufferers however only develope a few
isolated patches, which correct themselves without any treatment. Since the cause of AA
remains unknown there is no specific treatment as yet. Current research is focusing upon the
immune system which looks like leading to a better understanding and hopefully an effective
treatment.