Understanding Alopecia. Alopecia  refers to a condition of excessive hair loss from your scalp. It can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. the most common causes of Alopecia  are hereditary, hormonal changes, or a normal part of aging. Alopecia (baldness) can affect anyone even though it is more common in men. Appearance of this condition is majorly affected on the cause. Common signs and symptoms are sudden hair loosening, gradual thinning on top of the head, patches of scaling that spread over the scalp, and circular bald spots on the scalp.

There are a lot of factors that are related to alopecia, these factors include radiation therapy on the head, medical conditions and hormonal changes(alopecia areata), hereditary/family history(androgenic alopecia), the most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging, and medication  side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.

One is advised to see a doctor if they are experiencing persistent and severe hair loss. For women experiencing receding hair loss it is advisable to see a doctor as early as possible to avoid baldness.  Patchy hair loss all of a sudden or more than usual hair loss when washing your hair can be a sign of underlying medical condition that needs medical attention.

Some preventable measures such as being gentle with your hair, enquiring about medication that might lead to hair loss, quit smoking, use cooling cap while undergoing chemotherapy. Alopecia caused by genetics or that is inherited is not preventable. It is believed that Alopecia can be cured by use of intralesional steroid application and topical steroid shampoo can be used to treat small patches hair loss. They are usually used for short term treatment. Long term treatment  such as corticosteroid and contact immunotherapy are used to treat Alopecia totalis and Alopecia universalis. Additionally, many people use cosmetic items such as wigs or hair weaves while others seek psychological support. APA