Have you ever looked in the mirror, and suddenly noticed a patch of your hair suddenly gone?
I am sharing this article is to educate on alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis.

In simplest terms alopecia areata is an unpredictable, non-contagious, autoimmune disease, that causes hair to fall out in round or oval patches. The word alopecia comes from the Greek word alopecia and means “loss of hair,” while areata, derived from the Latin word meaning “occurring in patches.” This disease affects approximately 5 million Americans, however, I will not exclude cultures on a global scale. There is no way to predict who might be affected with alopecia areata. Some people who lose scalp hair due to alopecia areata find that their hair re-grows spontaneously in a relatively short time, while for others this condition goes on a steady course, and they continue to have additional patchy bald spots loosing all scalp hair—alopecia totalis, then progressing to alopecia universalis. It affects the scalp and other body parts.

Few people will deny that having alopecia areata affects them psychologically. It can also become a social trauma for millions of men, women and children affecting daily social situations and personal interactions. Often, it is how other co-workers, friends and/or family member reaction to alopecia areata, is the most crucial factor in how well a person copes. So PLEASE use caution WITH YOUR WORDS when you say “It’s only Hair” or “Just get a Wig”, or “Hair loss is ONLY a Cosmetic Problem”. Put yourself in this persons shoes. Losing hair can be devastating! I suggest for you to always be complimentary to this individual and tell you care about them, how their happiness is important to you, you will support them through this challenging time, and if this applies, tell them You Love Them. Furthermore, you could emphasize how their “Inner Beauty Shines more than their Outer Beauty to You!” This can be a very powerful statement, when said with meaning.


Charlie Villanueva is the Son of Roberto Villanueva and Doris Mejia. According to he is a first-generation American Latino (his parents are from the Dominican)…Suffers from Alopecia Universalis, an autoimmune skin disease resulting in hair loss. He is the spokesperson for NAAF, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Charlie won the NBA’s Community Assist Award in February 2006 for his work with the Charlie’s Angels on the Road program, which conducts pre-game meet and greets in visiting NBA arenas with people affected by Alopecia Areata. In addition, he started the Charlie Villanueva Foundation (CVF), which serves as a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating bullying by supporting organizations that maintain programs that provide guidance in creating non-violent solutions to challenges and problems associated with bullying.”


The onset of alopecia areata may include one or more of the following triggers:
• Extensive Mental Stress
• Genetic Predisposition
• Family Death
• Environmental triggers
• Autoimmunity
• Abnormal keratinocytes
• Shock and Sudden Extreme Stress
• Physical Trauma
• Local Skin Injury
• Pregnancy/Hormones
• Allergies
• Chemicals
• Rubber Plant Work Environment
• Viral/bacterial Infection
• Domestic Violence

Because alopecia areata affects people’s lives so dramatically, many people will do almost anything and try everything on the market to re-grow their hair. In many cases, re-growing their hair becomes the focus of their lives. For others, the most important issue is to look normal, and purchase a hairpiece, wig, or hair weaves, hats, scarves, etc., to avoid social embarrassment.
Anywhere between 7% to 66% of people with alopecia areata also have aberrant nail formation, with nail pitting the most common finding. Several other nail abnormalities such as longitudinal ridging, brittle nails, spotting of the lunulae, koilonychias, onycholysis, and onychomadesis have been reported. Nail abnormalities can precede, follow, or occur concurrently with alopecia areata.
Humans are not the only species affected with alopecia areata. Did you know
Research is ongoing to examine the cause and other treatments for alopecia areata. There are support groups and websites available to assist sufferers.
There is the NAAF, National Alopecia Areata Foundation – www.alopeciaareata.com also Alopecia World at www.alopeciaworld.com

In conclusion, there is so much more information about alopecia areata, I did not include all of it in the article. I have analyzed and successful treated numerous cases of alopecia areata, with varying degrees of severity.
Furthermore, I cover more in depth information in my 5 Day Trichology Seminars on Alopecia Areata – The History, Triggers, Who Is Affected, Patterns of Identification and Treatments.
For additional questions and information, contact Dr. Linda Amerson at (817) 265-8854 or www.hairandscalpessentials.com