Nearly everyone knows someone currently or previously suffering from alopecia. Alopecia areata causes hair loss varying in severity, ranging from small, well-defined patches to complete hair loss. However, the initial signs of the condition are not always so obvious.
Here are several common signs of alopecia:
Sign #1: Bald patches in beard
The first sign primarily concerns men as it relates to facial hair. Often, the first place alopecia will be noticed on a man’s body is in the beard. Here, one may notice bald patches where hair ceases to grow while surrounding hair continues to grow. These bald spots can vary in size but tend to grow with time in the case of alopecia.
Should you notice bald patches in your beard (or mustache), it may be worth talking to your doctor to confirm that it is, in fact, caused by alopecia and to learn possible treatment options if needed.
Sign #2: Loss of eyelashes
While it’s normal for everyone to shed eyelashes, individuals affected by alopecia areata will notice more regular eyelash loss. According to Lash Affair, the average human eyelash will stay attached to the eye for around three months. This works out to be between one and five natural lashes lost daily. However, people with alopecia could notice that they lose more than multiple times this number of lashes, and in some cases, they will not grow back.
This can cause your lashes to slowly disappear or give off a thin appearance. In either case, if you notice that your lashes are gradually (or quickly) disappearing without growing back, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Sign #3: Grey hair at a young age
Although grey hair can be seen in men as early as 30, it’s not common before the age of 50. For women, this is often even later. However, grey or dead hair can be the result of alopecia. Of course, this does not mean you should worry about grey hair. This should only be a reason for concern if it appears quickly, with regular shedding from your head.
Sign #4: Receding hairline
Before losing significant amounts of hair, it’s common for those with alopecia to begin losing hair closer to their forehead. This can cause their hairline to move farther back and give off the appearance of a larger forehead. Although often a common sign of aging, for younger people, it could be a way to tell that they have alopecia. Talk to your doctor before jumping to conclusions.
If you or someone you know is unsure if you or they are affected by alopecia, it is crucial to know the signs of the condition before jumping to conclusions. If you notice one or multiple of these signs, booking an appointment with your family doctor can help prevent further hair loss and find a solution to your condition.
