Alopecia alarm
Question
I seem to be losing the hair on my legs and arms, is this a sign of something I should worry about?
Answer
Hair loss can be a sensitive issue to cope with, especially because some of us want hair in certain places and not in others, but we never seem to lose it from the right places. Hair loss can also affect someone's confidence and self-esteem. It's a big issue for whoever it affects.
Alopecia is the general term for hair loss and there is a related condition known as Alopecia Areata, whereby the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles, preventing growth. It may be limited to patches on the scalp although the entire scalp and all body hair can be affected, leading to total hair loss. But there are many other causes of hair loss.
The complications related to hair loss, particularly Alopecia Areata, concern the immune system. So, if the hair loss is becoming serious, worrying you or making you unhappy, you can see your local doctor (GP) and ask to see a dermatologist or trichologist. Your local pharmacist may also be able to suggest helpful treatments. Hair loss may seem embarrassing, but health professionals deal with similar problems every day and with be able to help you find a solution.
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