BeBold Alopecia Awareness Press Release
Alopecia Support Group inspires the first ever Childrens’ Alopecia Camp in the UK
30th July 2010 - 1st August 2010
It is widely accepted that about 5% (close on 3 million) of the population will experience alopecia during their lifetime, this figure does not include male pattern baldness!
Biog - Darren Payne IT Manager - BeBold Founder
Following the experience with my daughter’s hairloss, Bebold was founded by my wife and I to ensure a support mechanism is in place for anybody coming to terms with the condition alopecia. BeBold is about helping people to tackle the condition alopecia and to build confidence and self esteem.
This weekend children from all over the UK will come together for a fun packed weekend of cowboy and Indian fun at Scarborough's very own Wild West Pinewood Holiday Park. The purpose of the event is to allow children and parents to meet other families who suffer the consequences of the devastating condition. The weekend break for these children has been based on an American model run for the last six years and aims to deliver confidence and help children adjust to life with this condition. Throw in some empowerment and acceptance then kick it up with a cowboy and Indian theme, campfires, fancy dress and outdoor activities to bring a truly great experience.
One such team keen to help is Co Durham based dancers’, Dance in Education Services. They will be travelling to the camp and will be holding Break-dance workshops for the families attending.
Director Andrea Mallen
“I am proud to be working with the staff at BeBold, it gives me great pleasure knowing my team of dancers are helping people to build confidence. Dance is a great way for anybody to develop techniques and express themselves. This is such a lovely idea to help build confidence in the children suffering from alopecia.”
Stephanie Walker - Mother of Beth (Daughter will be attending the camp)
Bethany (13 Years Old) has had alopecia totallis for six years.
Found the support group two years ago following the BBC news feature on the Alopecia Calendar, this was the first time Steph and Beth had met anybody else with the condition. The group has helped Beth come to terms with the condition, and has been available to answer any questions around wigs, support treatment etc.
Beth is now actively involved in the group and is an inspiration to other children.
Alopecia - The Information
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 and eyelashes, body and limbs can be affected. Occasionally it can involve the whole scalp (alopecia totalis) or even all the 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.
What causes alopecia areata?
Hair is lost because it is rejected by the affected person’s immune system which does not recognise the hair follicles as "self", but regards them as "foreign" (autoimmunity). Why this happens is not fully understood, nor is it known why only localised areas are affected and why the hair regrows again.
Someone with alopecia areata is more likely than a person without it to develop other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes and vitiligo (white patches on the skin), although the risk of getting these disorders is still low. Your doctor may suggest a blood test looking for antibodies that may predict whether you are likely to develop thyroid problems or pernicious anaemia.
Alopecia areata is not catching nor is it related to diet or vitamin deficiencies. Stress, particularly events such as bereavement, separation and accidents, occasionally appears to be a trigger for alopecia areata.
Is alopecia areata hereditary?
There is a genetic predisposition to alopecia areata and close family members can be affected. Thyroid problems or diabetes are also more common.
What are the symptoms?
Occasionally there may be a tingling sensation in the scalp. It can be a very upsetting condition to the sufferer, especially if the bald area cannot be disguised by hairstyle.
What does alopecia areata look like?
Typically, it starts as one or more bald, smooth patches on the scalp, which are not inflamed or scaly. It tends to affect the pigmented hair so there may be some white hairs left within the bald area in older people. Sometimes the hair loss is diffuse rather than well-circumscribed patches. Short, tapered hairs, known as exclamation mark hairs that are characteristic of alopecia areata, may be seen at the edge of the bald patch. Regrowth usually starts at the centre of the bald patch with fine white hair that thickens with time and usually regains its colour. Some people with alopecia areata develop small pits on their nails, similar to the dimples seen on a thimble.
Can it be cured?
No, alopecia areata cannot be cured. If the hair loss is patchy, there is a good chance (about 60-80%) that there will be complete regrowth within 1 year without treatment. There may, however, be further episodes of hair loss in the future. If there is very extensive hair loss from the start, the chances of it regrowing may not be as good. In people with Down's syndrome, or those who have severe eczema, the chances of regrowth are not so good either.
How can alopecia areata be treated?
People with mild early alopecia areata may need no treatment, as their hair is likely to come back anyway without it. Some treatments can induce hair growth, though none is able to alter the overall course of the disease. Any treatments that carry serious risks should be avoided, as alopecia areata itself has no adverse affect on physical health.
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