September is Alopecia awareness month. According to the American Academy of  Dermatology Association, Alopecia, which can cause hair loss anywhere on the body, is defined as a disease that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles.

 Alopecia is caused by the immune system surrounding and attacking the body’s hair follicles. Since Alopecia is an autoimmune disease, it is not curable. Though there are treatments for it, most of these treatments are not effective.  

People who have Alopecia can see a specialist about how to manage it. They can also protect the bald areas against the sun, so they don’t suffer skin damage. 

There are different types of Alopecia. The types of Alopecia are Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis. Alopecia Areata is defined as, “patchy baldness that can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp, beard area, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, inside your nose, or ears.” Alopecia Totalis is defined as complete scalp hair loss. Alopecia Universalis is defined as total body hair loss, which is rare.

People also can be emotionally affected by having Alopecia. They could face stigmas or feel like they are alone in their differences. 

There are many ways that people can raise awareness for Alopecia. Those wanting to take action could consider advertising and fundraising to increase public awareness. People can also tell their own stories of hair loss and Alopecia.  To continue to become educated about Alopecia, visit www.aad.org.