If you suspect you have Alopecia you better read this article.
Alopecia is a condition that affects the scalp and results in hair loss. There are actually three types of alopecia, each resulting in a different patter of hair loss. These three types are: alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis; and they all leave the victim hairless to some degree. The primary cause of alopecia has been linked to a particular gene, though some scientists are not convinced of this. Researchers are currently working to isolate the potential genetic connection in order to better understand how it might be manipulated. Causes of alopecia are also linked to hormonal imbalance, and a response of the body's immune system that has negative effects on the hair follicle.

First, let's define the three types of alopecia.

Alopecia areata: hair loss appears to be random about the scalp leaving bald spots in different places all over the head.

Alopecia totalis: hair loss results in total baldness over the entire head, sometimes including facial hair as well.

Alopecia universalis: hair loss happens over the entire body.

Now let's take a closer look at the causes of alopecia. The most recent evidence points to an immune deficiency as the number one cause of alopecia. Biopsies performed on victims of alopecia revealed immune cells inside the hair follicle where they shouldn't normally be. This indicates that the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles and causes alopecia.

Alopecia is also considered to be caused by a genetic condition based on the fact that it is often found occurring among family members. However, because people who suffer from alopecia are often the only person in the family to have it, it is believed that other factors that cause alopecia may be just as prevalent s the genetic factor if not more so.

Other causes of alopecia include a severe illness, a hormonal disorder, and other diseases. Arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease and some allergic disorders are associated with the causes of alopecia. Traumatic emotional or physical stress seem to influence alopecia as well.

Keep in mind that severe stress can magnify the causes of alopecia. If any or all of the causes of alopecia are present but the disease is not progressing rapidly, severe stress can speed up the disease. Stress can be the result of either physical or emotional trauma. In some extreme cases, the person inflicted with the effects of alopecia may become so emotionally distressed that it causes the disease to progress at increased speed. This of course, causes more stress and so the cause and result continue to feed on each other.

Of the three types of alopecia, areata is the most common and universalis the least common. The causes of alopecia are, at this point in time, manageable. In the future, scientists hope to even find a cure for alopecia.