Alopecia Areata Awareness
Did you know that September is Alopecia Areata Awareness Month? In September, we recognize those living with alopecia areata and raise awareness.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mounts a defense against (or attacks) the hair follicles, resulting in loss of hair. There are four major phases of hair growth. The anagen phase is the phase where hair is actively growing. It’s also the phase that is affected by alopecia areata. When alopecia areata affects this phase, it completely halts the hair growth process, resulting in hair loss. In alopecia areata, the hair follicles usually remain undamaged, and no scarring is typically present. This means that there is potential for hair to grow again in the future.
While alopecia areata can affect any part of the body, it is most common for it to affect the head. Each person may experience alopecia differently, as there are three different types of alopecia areata:
- Alopecia Totalis: This is a condition where hair loss occurs across the entire scalp.
- Alopecia Universalis: This is a condition where hair loss occurs on both the scalp and the body
- Patchy Alopecia Areata: This is a condition where hair loss usually occurs in well-defined, often circular, areas or patches on the scalp
Impacts of Alopecia Areata
While alopecia areata is not a life-threatening condition, it still bears many impacts and affects each individual differently. Because it is an autoimmune disorder, this also means that someone with alopecia areata may be more likely to develop additional autoimmune disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, psoriasis, or thyroid disease, to name a few.
It may be common for some individuals to experience anxiety, depression, and other mood or emotional changes alongside alopecia areata, as changes in personal appearance due to hair loss can be a significant and traumatic event for many people.
Naturopathic Approach
There are many potential factors, influences, and underlying causes to consider with alopecia areata. Therefore, each individual should be approached individually and supported accordingly. While some cases of alopecia areata may be present due to a genetic inheritance, other cases may be caused by significant stressors or recent illnesses. Because there are so many possibilities to consider, it is essential to find a provider that can sit down with you and take a thorough history to determine if there are any underlying triggers that need to be addressed.
Whether it be supporting the body after a viral illness or supporting someone through a significant period of stress in their lives, there are many different ways that naturopathic medicine can support someone experiencing alopecia areata. Here are a few common examples:
- A tincture of reishi mushroom extract may be recommended for its immune-modulating effects on the body to help calm down the immune system.
- If stress appears to be a major cause, a custom-blend tincture of adaptogenic herbs may be recommended to help support the nervous system and overall stress response.
- Specific probiotics may be recommended to help support the gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in our immune system and can contribute to autoimmune disorders.
If you are looking for a comprehensive approach to care and would like additional support tailored specifically to your concerns and symptoms, our naturopathic doctors are ready to help guide you towards better health! Call 804-977-2634 to schedule your initial appointment!
References:
- Abbott J, Syed HA, Rapini RP. Alopecia Totalis. [Updated 2024 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563225/
- Lepe K, Syed HA, Zito PM. Alopecia Areata. [Updated 2024 Feb 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537000/
- Lee S, Kim SY, Lee S, et al. Ganoderma lucidum extract attenuates corticotropin-releasing hormone-induced cellular senescence in human hair follicle cells. iScience. 2024;27(5):109675. Published 2024 Apr 6. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2024.109675