| HAIR
FACTS |
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is not particularly
rare: one person in every thousand can
expect to suffer from it at some time
in their lives. |
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Hair
pulling
People with the condition called trichotillomania
feel compelled to pull out their hair. The effects
are seen on both the scalp and the upper eyelids.
In the affected areas there are hairs of different
lengths. When looked at under the microscope they
show fractures.
Typical
cases of trichotillomania, due to repeated pulling
out of hairs: the new hairs grow at different
rates and therefore different lengths, as can
be felt when the scalp is touched
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The
condition is common but not severe in children between
the ages of two and six. In teenagers it is twice
as common in girls as in boys, and can indicate
the
presence of a serious emotional difficulty.
Traction
and trauma
So-called traction alopecia is seen in people
whose
hair is regularly subjected to strong traction (pulling).
This can occur with ponytails or from backcombing
or heavy-handed brushing. The braided styles and
hair
weaves often worn by Afro-Caribbean people put considerable
tension on the hair, and can give rise to the condition.
The
effect of braiding, leading to traction hair loss
Hair
loss due to traction and cosmetic abuse |
