GirlsLife.com - Could this bald spot be alopecia areata?

Could this bald spot be alopecia areata?

“Alopecia areata” is a fancy way of saying a person loses hair in round patches. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the hair can fall out of the scalp or elsewhere on the body, and it can often grow back in.

It’s important to know that this sort of hair loss isn’t associated with a contagious disease or with stress. What happens with alopecia (areata and other varieties) is that your immune system starts attacking your hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out. You can be totally healthy, except for this one problem.

Often you’ll notice clumps of hair falling out, creating a round, coin-sized bald spot where you once had hair. It can happen to anyone, and typically begins in childhood. If you think you might have alopecia areata, you should visit a dermatologist. She can perform the necessary skin tests and prescribe a treatment plan.

Good luck, girlie!

BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 9/15/2011 12:00:00 AM

Hey alibaba, the type of shampoo you're using could be contributing to your hair loss. Ask your doctor to recommend som shampoo that will build and strengthen your hair. Thanx a bunch for subscribing. Hope this helps! Xoxo

MODMODMOD
I have been losing a concerning amount of hair lately. I realize that people lose hair every day, and that hair loss (to a certain extent) is normal, but this is a lot more than normal. I've noticed a definable spike within the last few months. I'm a swimmer, and I swim 4-5 times a week with my team. Due to my taking advanced classes this year, I'm under a lot of stress. I have abnormally thin hair as it is, which my doctor knows about. I take vitamins every day to help with the healthiness of my locks, and do not use heat with it as she (my doc) recommended. I do notice that most of the hair loss occurs in the shower, when I'm using my chlorine-removal shampoo. I know that mine is a tough problem to diagnose, but I would appreciate any help available.
Thanks, I love your magazine by the way. 2012 is my 5th year having a subscription!!
-Ali Lynae P.

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hey! so this is really weird, but sometimes when i run my hands thru my hair, it feels like i have really tiny pimples on my scalp. im really confused about what this might be, is it like my conditioner or shampoo or something? ???
PLZZZ answer soon!!!!! Thanks!

Hey girl! Don't worry too much, my first guess would be pimples, but I'd definitely show your mom or dad and talk to them about it! Then if you're still concerned see the doctor! xoxo

Carly S.

by summergirl190 on 8/22/2012 10:28:10 AM

Mod. Mod. Mod. ModMod. Mod. Mod. Mod. Plzzzzzz answer. So I'm half black and half Dominican well my hair is semi straight I went to a hair Salan a Dominican one and they straighten it but I have a friend she is Dominican and her. Hair is full and thick so is mine but I was wondering how can I get this of my mind about her having better hair then me

Hey chica! Embrace your hair as it is, wanting someone else's hair won't do you any good! Just remind yourself that your hair is part of who you are. Besides, I bet there s something about you that she wishes she had (your skin tone, your legs, or your killer smile). Everyone has different parts of them that are awesome, so remind yourself of yours when you're feelin' the hair envy. xoxo

Kate G.

by nina20017 on 7/17/2012 2:07:42 AM

What can I do to help my hair grow longer to where im able to put it into a ponytail because ive heard that weave can bring your hair out even more.

Hey girl,

Eating healthy foods, exercise and getting your hair trimmed regularly all help hair grow faster. Check out this post for more tips! http://www.girlslife.com/post/2010/10/13/Hair-Today-Gone-Tomorrow.aspx

Meghan D.

by lolmindless on 2/25/2012 2:45:09 AM

mod mod mod
im 13 and i was thinking bout doin highlights on my hair either purple or blond but i dont knoe which one to choose any advice

by cutiepie14231 on 2/20/2012 6:51:09 PM

Hey bubblerain, mhmm I would try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Maybe the lack of sunlight will make the black come back into your hair. Hope this helps! Xoxo

modmodmod
my hair is naturly black.but when i was little i spent a lot of time in the sun,and burn my hair.now it is brown.any ideas to getting my naturly black hair back?thanks Lynae P.

by bubblerain on 1/25/2012 8:32:50 PM

by alibaba on 1/21/2012 5:17:23 PM

Heybemmaa3345, no prob girl. So glad I could help! Xoxo

modmodmod
i just wanna thank you for helping everyone thank you Lynae P.

by emmaa3345 on 1/14/2012 7:13:01 PM

dear mod
i really wanna grow out my hair so i can donate to kids who dont have any, but my hair wont grow!! do have any suggestions on how to make my hair grow faster and healthier.thank youu

Hey girlie,

There's no way to speed up the growth, unfortunately. Just eat healthy and try not to put stress on it by using hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, etc. Be patient and it'll be long enough soon!

Lauren C.

by emmaa3345 on 1/12/2012 6:18:09 PM

my hair falls out a lot. is there a special treatment for this???

We all lose a lot of hair every day, most likely this is not even a serious issue. But otherwise, head on over to a doc!

Jordan S.

by cutiepie14231 on 11/24/2011 3:31:07 PM

My hair wont do anything!!! I have super thick curlie blonde hair and I cant straighten it for special events and I can curl it in ringletts but it isnt as nice ans my hair straightened with a small french braid in the front. Any Ideas??

Hey babe!

I think the best thing you can do since you can't straighten it is to use styles that accentuate your curly hair. Why don't you french braid all of your hair, or make like Taylor Swift and let your curls run wild?

Devin A.

by trinrose2000 on 11/21/2011 4:39:34 PM

MOD MOD MOD
I have lots of spots on my head..bald spots are they called? I do have spots on my face too and my back, has this got something to do with it? When I'm doing m hair I might accidently pick one and it'll really hurt and sometimes blead

I don't have bald patches but what are these spots? They're probably not alopecia areata but what are they and why are they there? Sorry if this sounds like a repeat of the first question, thanks lots

You should go see your doctor as soon as you can, as he or she can definitely give you a proper diagnosis and provide treatment.

Brittany G.

by cindy5218 on 10/22/2011 7:04:29 AM

i want to shave my legs but my mom wont let me and im 11 about to turn 12 in Dec. and every girl shaves in my class. what do i do?

Try asking mom again. Don't phrase it like, "EVERYONE is doing it mom, come on! You're so unfair!" Instead, be mature and focus on how you feel about your hair and how you would feel once it's gone. Catch mom at a quiet moment (maybe when she's doing dishes or reading her book) and tell her you've been noticing the hair on your legs more and more lately and, since you're getting older, you think it might be best for you to start shaving now so you can be self-confident and not worry about that. Tell her you know you're mature enough to commit to shaving as often as you have to and you really want her to be on board. And tell her you wanted to include her on it so she can help you choose a razor, gel, teach you how, etc. since she's been there before and done it! Focus on the fact that you want to tackle this together and I'll bet you'll win her over

Lauren c.

by puppies11 on 10/6/2011 2:14:20 PM

Mod
There's a school dance coming up and idk what to with my hair.... i wanna curl it with a curling iron, but the problem is whenever i curl my hair with a curling iorn, the curls never stay! I always flat iron my hair and i want to do soomething different..But idk wat to do,do you have any tips or ideas? Thanks!

Try roller setting your curls for stayability That or a holding spray.

by kaylarocks2000 on 9/17/2011 12:35:20 PM

modmodmod
i was reading one of ur fact or fiction things and it said that thing about wearing to tight pants and u can get tingling numbing feelings. well i read this and i nearly screamed because i have been getting that!!!!!! but i dont even wear that tight of pants! please what should i do!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!? i need ur advice ASAP!!!!

If you don't wear tight pants and keep moving throughout the day, it could be a circulation issue. Try bringing it up at the doctor during your next checkup so they can help ya!

by hermionelover on 9/15/2011 10:46:33 PM

my BFF has this and lost all of her hair when she was about 3 or 4, and she didn't wear a wig until 3rd grade. i thought she was really brave to do that, but now i don't even notice that she has a wig on and i don't get uncomfortable when she takes her wig off at sleep-overs anymore

by fallsb-ball on 9/15/2011 5:27:01 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD!!!
I really hate my teeth. I think they look really crooked and ugly. I'm really self-conscious about them, and I hate to smile in pictures, and sometimes even in person.. I really really want braces, but I know how expensive they are, and it wouldn't be fair for my mom to pay for them. Are there any other cheaper fixes, and What can I do to make myself feel better or accept them?
thank you!

Hey Girl,

There are a few other fixes besides braces, like invisalign or a retainer, but they still require a visit to the orthodontist. If you really want to go, try asking mom for just a consultation. This is where the doctor will tell you what he thinks you need and you can discuss your options. If not, then you need to find something to smile about! Make a list of things you love about your body, and think about those when you're feeling insecure about your teeth. The best way to accept your teeth is to appear confident no matter how bad you feel about them. Walk into school with a big smile and people will be more likely to notice your beautiful face rather than your teeth. If you don't make them seem like a problem, then other people won't notice them either.

Rachel N.

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by cutiecayley333 on 9/15/2011 3:24:19 PM

Caroline M.

is modding

Lauren R.

is modding

Could this bald spot be alopecia areata?

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