Is My Hair Loss (Alopecia) a Symptom of a Serious Disease?

Alopecia areata is not a life-threatening disease. It does not cause any physical pain, and people with the condition are generally healthy otherwise. But for most people, a disease that unpredictably affects their appearance the way alopecia areata does is a serious matter.

The effects of alopecia areata are primarily socially and emotionally disturbing. In alopecia universalis, however, loss of eyelashes and eyebrows and hair in the nose and ears can make the person more vulnerable to dust, germs, and foreign particles entering the eyes, nose, and ears.

Alopecia areata often occurs in people whose family members have other autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, pernicious anemia, or Addison's disease. People who have alopecia areata do not usually have other autoimmune diseases, but they do have a higher occurrence of thyroid disease, atopic eczema, nasal allergies, and asthma.

Source: Adapted from National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Part 1: What is alopecia areata?

Part 2: Is alopecia heredity?

Part 3: Is my hair loss a serious disease?

Part 4: Treatments for alopecia

Part 5: Will my hair grow back?

Part 6: How can I cope with alopecia?

Part 7: What can I expect later in life?

Further information:  www.alopecia-sydney.com