Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder which leads to hair loss. Initially, the disease is characterized by rapid hair loss, usually on the scalp, but it can also lead to hair loss on other parts of the body. Alopecia Areata may lead to complete loss of hair, creating bald patches on the scalp or body, or it may be more diffuse, where the hair becomes thinner and more fragile.
Typically, Alopecia Areata is diagnosed when there is rapid hair loss, patchiness, and a more significant loss of hair on one side of the head compared to the other. It is believed to be caused by an immune disorder in which the body’s own cells attack the hair follicles and disrupt normal hair growth and formation. Alopecia Areata is often associated with other autoimmune disorders such as lupus, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, the condition is diagnosed by the presence of so-called “exclamation point hairs”, which are short, close to the scalp, and are broken off.
Treatment for this condition typically includes injections, steroid creams and other medications. The longer the time between hair loss and treatment, the less likely the hair is to regrow. Hypnosis has been tested as an adjunctive treatment, and has produced interesting results. The mechanism for this effect is related to the fact that Alopecia Areata symptoms worsen under stress.
The International Journal of Clinical Experimental Hypnosis (July 2008) has published research suggesting that hypnosis can improve hair growth in patients with alopecia areata, as well as significantly reduce the anxiety and depression associated with the disorder.
Based on this finding, those suffering from Alopecia Areata should seek ways to actively reduce their stress, as an adjunct to ongoing medical treatment. Stress reduction, such as that provided by hypnotic suggestions, can go a long way to reducing the impact and progression of this type of autoimmune disorder.
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I found this blog very informative. Isn’t it interesting how stress can affect our physical well being.
Thank you for this information. It’s wonderful to know that stress (which is a huge part of my everyday life) can be reduced through hynosis.
This study is very interesting. Is it possible then, that Alopecia Areata is a stress related disorder and the stress is working against the autoimmune system in people who are afflicted by this disorder. Seems somewhat reasonable if hypnosis, which helps you to relax, has positive results.
Who would have thought the same stress that causes heart attacks would cause hair loss. I wonder does the stress cause the immune disorder to begin with?
From reading several of your recent blogs, there appears to be an underlying theme that a lot of our physical ailments are related to our mental or emotional being. This supports what I am continually telling my sister. She worries and stresses over everything (poor thing) and as a result experiences several stomach upsets and headaches and many other ailments. I am going to recommend that she receive assistance through hypnosis.
I actually have this!!! When I visted the barber last, he made mention of the small hairs on the sides of my head around my ears, and identified it as Alopecia! (Um, for vanity purposes, it’s covered by other LONGER hair… literally, the “combdown” version of the “combover”, so it’s not noticeable… only my barber knows for sure!) And it’s caused by stress… I have had a tremendous amount of stress in my life these past few years, and so I can believe it. Stress is such an understated and underidentified cause to many, many maladies! Stress relief through hypnosis may be the key!
This explaina a LOT! I know several men (although I’m sure it affects women, too - but we hide it better!) who have this, and they are all in high-stress jobs. Now, whenever I tell them to relax and take it easy, I can back it up with “Or you’ll lose your hair!” I think I am going to create a gift package that contains some herbal teas and one of the hypnosis stress-reducing programs. What a wonderful gift to give to someone you love!
In recognition of alopecia week we have reduced the price of all pre-tied bandanas. Our products have been known to greatly alleviate much discomfort, while covering bald spots of Alopecia areata patients. The full range of super stylish head-coverings in a beautiful variety of different fabrics will accommodate patients of any age, personality and lifestyle!
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