Almost all women who experience baldness find themselves looking in the mirror, asking Why me? Its not an inappropriate question. Since childhood, us girls were taught to take pride in our appearances. Mothers always combed our hair a certain way and made our pony-tails just right. Suddenly, something has changed. The hair that we took for granted is falling out. Why? Whats going on?

Current research teaches doctors that something triggers a womans immune system (white blood cells) to attack the bodys hair follicles. Unfortunately, this something has yet to be defined by researchers. There is no known cause for this change in the immune system.

This disorder is known as Alopecia Areata. The condition doesnt only occur in women. It happens to both men and women of all ages. Youre not alone! Alopecia Areata has been reported to be found in four million people around the world.

Typically, Alopecia Areata is onset in childhood. Out of every five people affected by the disorder, one of them has a family history of Alopecia Areata. This information strongly suggests that this form of baldness can be inherited. Unfortunately there is no known measure for prevention.

Not sure you have Alopecia Areata? You should consult your physician for prognosis and treatment. Check to see if you have any or all of the following symptoms:

? Patchy areas of hair are missing ? Circular bald patches (approximately the size of a quarter) appear ? In extreme cases, eyelashes, eyebrows, nasal hair, and body hair will completely shed.

The importance of consulting a physician can not be stressed enough. While the disorder is not a life-threatening illness, Alopecia Areata can be very challenging on an emotional level. Especially for women and children. It isnt something that a person can learn to live with. Support groups and counseling are encouraged to help you develop a positive self-image.

Without treatment, a womans hair may spontaneously grow back. Nevertheless this process may take weeks, months, or even years! Treatment is more effective in milder cases. Treatments come in the form of topical creams oral medications, and/or injections.

The injections are quite painful and are usually repeated on a monthly basis. Young women are usually advised to receive topical treatment and apply it directly to the affected area. Patients should bear in mind, however, that treatment is intended to promote hair re-growthnot stop hair loss.

If you currently use a topical cream and experience itching, dermatitis, and/or blisters, you should stop using the product immediately. Consult your physician and describe your symptoms. He may be able to prescribe a different treatment to you.