“Baldness” can range from a male pattern of receding hairline, small circles of scalp hair loss, to total loss of all body hair. There can be considerable psychological difficulties associated with extensive hair loss and consequently an individual may spend much money in an attempt to find a cure.

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)  has a leaflet on alopecia areata which can be downloaded. They also have links to the websites below.

ALOPECIA AREATA

“What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a specific, common cause of hair loss that can occur at any age. It usually causes small, coin- sized, round patches of baldness on the scalp, although hair elsewhere such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, body and limbs can be affected. Occasionally it can involve the whole scalp (alopecia totalis) or even the entire body and scalp (alopecia universalis). It is not possible to predict how much hair will be lost. Regrowth of hair in typical alopecia areata is usual over a period of months or sometimes years, but cannot be guaranteed. The hair sometimes regrows white, at least in the first instance. Further hair loss is not uncommon. In alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, the likelihood of total regrowth is less.”

In addition there are a large number of patient support groups for those with alopecia. “Headzup” is specifically for children with alopecia.

ALOPECIA UK

HEADZUP

ALOPECIA AREATA SUPPORT COMMUNITY

BE BOLD

ALOPECIA AWARENESS

HELPING ALOPECIA TRUST

NATIONAL ALOPECIA AREATA FOUNDATION

EUROPEAN RESEARCH SOCIETY

ALOPECIA WORLD

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