Know what is alopecia, the disease of Jada Pinkett-Smith

The Oscar ceremony is usually marked by the winners of the main categories, such as Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture of the year. At the Oscar 2022 We had one more topic besides the awards: Will Smith attacked the presenter Chris Rock with a slap, live, during the ceremony. That's because Rock made a joke with Jada Pinkett-Smith, wife of Will Smith, because she is bald. The actress took on the look because she was affected by alopecia, a disease that causes hair loss. But what is alopecia? Let's check it out now!

what is alopecia

A alopecia is a disease that causes hair loss or body hair loss. The most common type occurs on the scalp and is also called baldness, and is the way the disease presents itself in Jada Pinkett-Smith. Alopecia can be transient or permanent, and affects women and men in different types, degrees or possible causes.

This disorder happens when there is interruption in the hair growth cycle, marked by three different phases, namely:

• Anagen phase: This is when hair growth occurs. About 90% of hairs are in this stage, which can last from two to eight years;
• Catagen phase: this is the transition phase, in which the hair follicles shrink and lasts for two to three weeks;
• Telogen phase: now the hair rests for two to four months. At the end of this stage, the hair falls out so that the growth cycle can begin again.

This process of continuous renewal leads to the loss of about 50 to 100 hairs a day for normal people. When this cycle is interrupted, or if any hair follicles are damaged, then we see the opposite scenario: more hairs falling out than regenerating, causing areas with little hair or completely empty, and thinning hairs on the scalp.

Types of alopecia

Alopecia can be manifested in different ways in each patient, varying according to the person's organism. Check out the existing types of alopecia:

• Androgenetic alopecia: also popularly known as “baldness”, androgenetic alopecia is the most common hair loss. The problem may present itself in adolescence, and may become more apparent between 40 and 50 years of age. Over time, the hair becomes thinner and, progressively, the scalp becomes more open. In women, the central region is the most affected, while in men the condition manifests itself with gaps at the entrances and on the top of the head - male and female baldness patterns, respectively. This is the type of alopecia that most affects men, manifesting mainly in the frontal region;
• alopecia areata: considered an autoimmune disease, alopecia areata happens when the immune system attacks the body itself, that is, the cells that are around the hair follicle attack it, preventing the production of new hair. These cases lead to speeches with rounded shapes in various areas such as the scalp, beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. It is more present in young people up to 20 years of age and can be associated with genetic factors, stress or even reactions in the immune system caused by other microorganisms. Other diseases such as vitiligo or lupus may be related to alopecia areata;
• traction alopecia: here we are already talking about external physical factors that can cause hair loss. Placing hair in hairstyles such as tight ponytails, braids or other types of hairstyles that force the hair root can cause irreversible damage to the hair follicles;
• telogen effluvium: in these cases, patients have a loss of 300 to 500 hairs per day, resulting in loss of hair volume. Among the conditions we can observe possible causes such as thyroid imbalances, fever, surgery or childbirth. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies may also be considered. If what caused the telogen effluvium is temporary, the lost hair can be recovered in a few months, however, this period can extend for years;
• scarring alopecia: Presenting as a rarer type of the disease, this condition is caused by damage to hair follicles from inflammation. Where hair should grow, scar tissue grows, preventing the production of new hairs on the scalp. The fall can happen slowly or suddenly and in some people it can also include red or white lesions on the scalp, as well as possible itching and/or swelling;
• Fibrosing frontal alopecia: and finally, time for frontal fibrosing alopecia, which mainly affects women who are in the post-menopausal period. It usually presents in a pattern of receding hairline. Armpits and eyebrows are also likely to be affected. Other symptoms such as polka dots and red spots on the face can manifest.

Risk factors for alopecia

The different types of alopecia can have hair loss caused by several more generic factors. Upon noticing any of the symptoms related to hair loss, seek medical advice immediately. Among the risk factors we have:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency;
• Hormonal dysfunctions;
• Stress;
• Too much vitamin A;
• Lack of proteins and some minerals;
• Pregnancy;
• Family history of baldness;
• Age;
• Other diseases such as diabetes and lupus;
• Significant weight loss.

how to treat alopecia

For a treatment to be applied, it is necessary to identify which type of alopecia is affecting the patient. To do so, consult a trichologist (hair health professional) or dermatologist is the most suitable. Although the condition presented can be permanent, there are ways of treatment that minimize the intense loss of hair. Among some possible treatments, we have the use of antibiotics specific and intake of Supplements nutritional. Alternatives to treatment are implants capillaries or some aesthetic repairs.

How to prevent hair loss

When the patient is affected by genetic alopecia, there are no ways to prevent the disease. When you notice a high level of hair loss, seek professional guidance and he will be able to indicate which treatment is most suitable for the current situation.

For those people who do not have alopecia in the family, one way to deal with this condition is avoid treatments in salons that use harmful chemicals in their operations. Try to identify which components will be used and find out if that procedure can cause permanent damage to the hair strands. If any follicle is reached during any of these procedures, the hair may stop growing definitely.

There are still other alternatives to prevent hair loss, such as keeping a varied and healthy food, which is rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals. In this case, we are talking about the daily consumption of vegetables, fruits and vegetables, giving preference to foods that are baked or cooked, avoiding excess fat, fried foods or ultra processed foods.

COVID-19 can cause alopecia

The pandemic of COVID-19 affected the world and brought with it several consequences that go beyond the traditional damage to the lungs. It is already known that the disease can generate new symptoms in other areas or even intensify some symptoms of preexisting conditions. In the case of alopecia, it was seen that about 25% of patients who are diagnosed with persistent COVID-19 (or “long COVID”) experience hair loss early on in the infection, and the condition can last for weeks or months.

Studies on the relationship between hair loss and the new coronavirus point to cases of alopecia areata e telogen effluvium. Paulo created, coordinator of the department of internal medicine of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, says that infectious diseases, autoimmune or emotional problems cause the various manifestations of hair loss. The professional also explains that accentuated hair loss is usually related to more serious infectious diseases.

Showmetech makes an important alert: when you notice unusual hair loss, seek professional guidance to investigate the causes. Do not use medication or any type of treatment on your own, as you could make the hair loss situation worse.

See also:

Still about COVID-19, what the experts say about the great adherence to the end of the mask?

Pig iron: Pfizer e BBC News Brazil.