Trichotillomania (trik-oh-till-oh-may-nee-ah)

 

This is an impulsive control disorder which involves a repeated urge to pull out hair from the scalp, beard, nose, ears, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. It is so important that you or your loved one have professional help to cope with this disorder.
It usually starts at puberty with ages 11-13 and may be genetic in origin. Those affected are usually 80% female. Trichotillomania may lead to patches of broken hair, and so appear similar to alopecia areata. But it won’t involve the skin changes that accompany areata.
The caring experts at Studio 409 will be able to guide you to help your loved one cope with the effects of this and help with options on how to manage your appearance with either a wig or hair piece.
Don’t let Trichotillomania control you.

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Trichophagia

 

This is related to Trichotillomania, however, hair is swallowed. In severe cases a hairball may even form in the abdomen. This is a serious condition and is called Rapunzel syndrome in humans. This could even require a surgical intervention at some point.

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Tinea capitis

 

is also known as scalp ringworm and is a fungal infection. It is a very common disease among children and is highly contagious through skin contact or by using contaminated items like combs and brushes. Anyone can be infected before the symptoms begin to show.
Symptoms involve red, raised itchy patches which are often lighter in the center giving the appearance of a ring. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, bald patches may form.

Treatment involves topical antifungal drugs (containing clotrimazole and miconazole). Any of these kinds of infections can take months to clear up.

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Thyroid Gland Disorders

 

Some thyroid disorders can cause hair to thin or fall out. Texture can also change. Such conditions may cause the hair producing cells to shut down as healing energy is redirected to other parts of the body.
Alopecia caused by thyroid disorders is usually treatable, and should be considered only a temporary condition. Possible problems are shown in the following:

Post partum thyroiditis – This happens in about 10% of women some months after they’ve given birth. It is believed to result from the changes in a woman’s immune system during pregnancy. These symptoms can include alopeica and usually are temporary.

Hypothyroidism – this is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone. It has several possible symptoms including hair loss. It may be caused by a mineral deficiency (i.e., a lack of dietary iodine).

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What is alopecia areata?

 

Alopecia areata is a hair-loss condition which usually affects the scalp. It can, however, sometimes affect other areas of the body. Hair loss tends to be rather rapid and often involves one side of the head more than the other.
Alopecia areata affects both males and females. This type of hair loss is different than male-pattern baldness, an inherited condition.

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What causes alopecia areata?

 

Current evidence suggests that alopecia areata is caused by an abnormality in the immune system. This particular abnormality leads to autoimmunity. As a result, the immune system attacks particular tissues of the body. In alopecia areata, for unknown reasons, the body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation. Biopsies of affected skin show immune cells inside of the hair follicles where they are not normally present. What causes this is unknown. Alopecia areata is sometimes associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Sometimes, alopecia areata occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes and heredity.

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What are the different patterns of alopecia areata?

 

The most common pattern is one or more spots of hair loss on the scalp. There is also a form of more generalized thinning of hair referred to as diffuse alopecia areata throughout the scalp. Occasionally, all of the scalp hair is lost, a condition referred to as alopecia totalis. Less frequently, the loss of all of the hairs on the entire body, called alopecia universalis, occurs. Sometimes the hair loss can involve the male beard, a condition known as alopecia areata barbe.

• • * A study reported in the journal Archives of Dermatology (vol. 134, 1998;1349-52) showed effectiveness of aromatherapy essential oils (cedarwood, lavender, thyme, and rosemary oils) in some patients. As with many chronic disorders for which there is no single treatment, a variety of remedies are promoted which in fact have no benefit. There is no known effective method of prevention, although the elimination of emotional stress is felt to be helpful. No drugs or hair-care products have been associated with the onset of alopecia areata. Much research remains to be completed on this complex condition.

  • * Reference: Medicine.Net

 

Experts at Studio 409 can review your symptoms/ diagnosis and present various option to help care for you and your appearance.

 

 

Dealing with Hair Loss due to chemotherapy.

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In the Beginning:

 

It’s a good idea to come in for a visit to Studio 409 before your first session chemotherapy.

Women should consider making a visit to the studio before they begin losing their hair so that the specialist may become familiar with her present style and color. Studio 409 specializes in hair loss from chemotherapy and is more than equipped to offer women specific advice during all stages of cancer treatment. The wig specialist may also wish to measure the woman’s head size to make sure an average wig will fit. 

The majority of women do not experience chemo-related hair loss until after the second treatment. Hair loss among chemo patients occurs because hair follicles are weakened by the treatment, which causes the hair to fall out much easier and faster than normal hair loss. Some women do lose their eyelashes and eyebrows during chemotherapy, and there are hair alternatives for this type of hair loss.

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Once You Have Your Wig:

 

Make sure you meticulously follow the care directions that come with your wig. Studio 409 offers specialized wig-care products that will preserve and protect the wig itself and your scalp.

It’s important to know that your wig can be trimmed and styled according to your specific wants. It is actually a very good idea to have a wig specialist personalize your wig with you so that you can take greater ownership of your new look.

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When Chemotherapy Is Over:

 

Your hair may take up to three months after treatment ends to begin its re-growth. During this time maintain your scalp and wig-care practices and be sure to consult your specialist for advice on hair re-growth preparation and care. Throughout the entire process, Studio 409 would like to offer support and advice! Please consider us your helper and friend. Our passion is your happiness.