Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Alopecia areata can be challenging for those who have the disease and for their families.  Recently we talked with a gal who was diagnosed with the disease at age three.  She stated that the disease far more difficult for her mother than it was for her.

You might think no one knows or understands what you are going through.  Many people with the disease feel immense relief to meet others with the same disease.  There are organizations which bring people together such as the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.  In a non-threatening environment, they can share their common thoughts and feelings.

People who deal with alopecia and their family members often experience a variety of feelings and frustrations.  Some reactions to the disease may include feeling:

• Alone, withdrawn and isolated
• Loss and grief
• Fear that others may find out you have the disease
• Sadness and depression
• Hopelessness
• Anger
• Embarrassment
• Guilt or self-blame
• Guilt related to how the disease is affecting family members and loved ones
• Frantic in regard to searching for a cure or answer (going to extremes)
• For parents, guilt that they may have genetically contributed to their child’s disease
• For parents, helplessness that they cannot stop the disease or help ease their child’s pain
• For siblings and other family members, shame and anger because the disease has also affected their lives.

Most people are unprepared to deal with the crisis brought about by alopecia.  They are faced with a variety of novel situations that can be confusing and unpredictable.  There are foundations and support groups which will help you cope.  In some cases, the disease can be so traumatic for the parents and other family members it will be helpful to  with a mental health professional who can help them work through their feelings.

Once you have worked through the initial shock of the disease and are ready for a solution, Fantasia can help.  Our caring hair replacement professionals have worked with men, women and children, helping to provide the solution which is best for them.  We would be happy to meet with you and your loved ones.  Please call us today to schedule a consultation.

There are several forms of alopecia but probably the worst is “cicatricial alopecia” otherwise known as scarring alopecia. This is a rare disorder which destroys the hair follicle and replaces it with scar tissue; which causes permanent hair loss. Sometimes scarring alopecia is gradual, without symptoms and is not noticed for a long period of time. In other cases, there is severe itching, burning and pain prior to the hair loss. The inflammation actually destroys the hair follicle which is below the surface and typically, the scar is not seen on the scalp. Affected areas of the scalp may show signs of inflammation, redness, scaling, increased or decreased pigmentation, pustules, or draining sinuses. Scarring alopecia occurs in otherwise healthy men, women and children of all ages around the world.

There are two types of scarring alopecia, primary and secondary. Primary cicatricial alopecia is where the hair follicle is the target of destructive inflammatory processes. With secondary, the destruction of the hair follicle is incidental to a non-follicle directed process such as severe infections, burns, radiation or tumors.

The cause of scarring alopecia is not well understood. This type of alopecia involves inflammation directed at the hair follicles, usually at the upper part of the follicle where the stem cells and the oil glands are located. If the stem cells are destroyed along with the oil gland, there is then no possibility for regeneration of the hair follicle and the result is permanent hair loss.

Scarring alopeica most commonly strikes young adults although all ages may be affected. Epidemiological studies have not been done to determine the incidence of scarring alopecia but in general, it is not common. Usually, it is not associated with other illnesses. However, those with this disease may have an increased family history of autoimmune disorders.

Dermatologist have different treatments for cicatrical alopecia. Once the hair follicle is destroyed, the hair will not regrow. Over the years, Fantasia has worked with all types of alopecia patients, including scarring alopecia. We understand the sensitive nature of this disease and how devastating it can be to the individual and to the family. If you or anyone you know suffers from scarring alopecia or other forms of alopecia, Fantasia can help with hair replacement. We have an extensive inventory of hair pieces, wigs, hats and scarves. Please call us to schedule a consultation.