Alopecia

A team of scientists at Columbia University Medical Center in New York have established the link between eight specific genes and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. The genes are also implicated in other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, and as treatments have been developed to target these genes, it is hoped that the discovery may lead to new treatment possibilities for those suffering from alopecia areata.

The research paper, published in the July 1, 2010 issue of ‘Nature’ journal, pinpointed one particular gene, ULBP3, which may play a key role in the onset of alopecia areata. ULBP3, which attracts cells that can invade and destroy an organ, is not normally present in hair follicles, but has been found to be abundant in hair follicles affected by alopecia areata. Two other genes are also expressed in the hair follicle, and the remaining five are involved in the immune response.

“Finding the initial genes underlying alopecia areata is a big step forward, but the nature of the genes is even more exciting,” said Angela M. Christiano, Ph.D., professor of dermatology and genetics and development at Columbia University Medical Center, and lead author of the study. “Finally, we have the possibility of developing drugs that specifically target the mechanism behind the disease.”

Until now, alopecia areata was thought to be related to psoriasis, another inflammatory skin disease, but psoriasis drugs tested in clinical trials have shown little success in treating the condition. This new research has found that alopecia areata has few genes in common with psoriasis, but a much stronger association with coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.

The researchers found a correlation between disease progression and the number of genes an alopecia areata sufferer carries. Those with 16 or more of the specific genes involved (each gene comes in two pairs) most often progressed to alopecia totalis, or total baldness. With this data, the team are developing a genetic test that should be able to predict the severity of the disease.

The progression of alopecia areata is currently extremely unpredictable. It generally starts with patchy hair loss and may progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or total body hair loss (alopecia universalis). Hair may also spontaneously regrow, only to fall out again. The onset of the condition may be triggered by an external factor such as stress or injury, or by hormonal changes.

Treatment for alopecia areata can be very successful in the early stages, although once it progresses to alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis the prognosis is much less hopeful, so it is advisable to seek advice as soon as the problem is recognised. The trichologists at the Belgravia Centre are experienced at diagnosing and treating a wide range of hair loss conditions, using hair loss treatment programmes based around clinically proven primary medications. You can see the kind of results we have achieved in treating alopecia areata here.

To book a free consultation with one of our specialists, call 020 7730 6666 or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. Alternatively if you can’t get to the London centre, complete the online diagnostic form and one of our advisors will contact you to discuss a home-use treatment course, available worldwide.

A recent study in Dermatology Online Journal has looked at whether Vitamin D can be successfully used to treat the various types of alopecia. The report, titled: ‘Does D matter? The role of vitamin D in hair disorders and hair follicle cycling,’ appeared in the February 2010 edition, and set out to review the published evidence regarding the potential clinical use of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is synthesised in the body under UV-B light, or acquired through the diet or supplements. Within the field of dermatology its effects have been well studied, and vitamin D analogues such as calcitriol are used clinically to treat psoriasis.

It has been proposed that normal function of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is essential for initiation of the first hair cycle after birth, and for maintenance of the hair follicle. Studies in mice and rats have also suggested that vitamin D3 may play a protective role in radiation-induced alopecia, possibly by up regulating VDR, and that vitamin D3 analogues stimulate hair growth in mice born with congenital alopecia due to a genetic defect.

However, studies on humans have been very limited. Topical calcitriol has been shown to protect against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, but only when certain chemotherapy agents were used. Other studies into the use of vitamin D3 analogues to treat hair loss due to scalp psoriasis have proved inconclusive. It has also been difficult to demonstrate a relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms and alopecia areata.

Unless human studies are able to replicate the results shown in animal studies, the role of vitamin D and the VDR in the human hair cycle will remain unclear. Further study is needed to develop and evaluate treatments that up regulate the expression of the VDR, and to establish whether optimal levels of vitamin D supplementation may prove beneficial to alopecia sufferers.

Alopecia areata is a condition that manifests as sudden patchy hair loss, caused by hair follicles prematurely entering the resting phase of the hair cycle. Although it is generally regarded as an autoimmune disorder, it may be triggered by an external factor such as stress or injury. There may also be a genetic predisposition or hormonal element to the onset of hair loss due to this condition.

Treatment for alopecia areata can be very successful, depending on the severity of the condition and the stage it has reached, and the trichologists at the Belgravia Centre have a wealth of experience in addressing it. Patches of hair loss can be treated with Belgravia’s Minoxidil 12.5% + Azelaic Acid formulation, which we have found to be the most safe and effective treatment. The earlier the condition is tackled, the more promising results are likely to be, so it is important to seek help as soon as the problem is recognised. You can see the kind of results we have achieved in treating alopecia areata here.

Although some alopecia sufferers can experience spontaneous or seasonal hair regrowth, hair loss or scalp problems may not go away by themselves and may worsen if left untreated. Our advisors will be happy to discuss an individual hair loss treatment programme with you, based around primary medications that are clinically proven to stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth, along with various hair growth boosters. Call 020 7730 6666 to book a free consultation with one of our specialists, or send us a message with any enquiry you may have. Alternatively, if you can’t get to the London centre, complete the online diagnostic form for advice on a home-use treatment course that fits your needs, available worldwide.

Television presenter Gail Porter was a household name when her hair suddenly began to fall out, back in 2005. The feisty Scot refused to hide away, instead embracing her baldness and doing much to increase public awareness of alopecia.

Alopecia Universalis, the relatively rare condition from which Porter suffers, is the most extreme form of Alopecia Areata and causes total hairloss. Unfortunately there are very few treatments that can help but as in Porter’s case, it is always possible that the hair can spontaneously grow back at any time as the follicles are never dysfunctional, just dormant. Porter put her hair loss down to the pressure of her divorce and post-natal depression.

Porter has been very open about the distress her condition caused her, saying, “People stared. Sometimes I held my head up high and other times I just didn’t want to go out.” Now it seems she is experiencing equally unexpected hair regrowth, which she puts down to a new-found happiness in her life and relationships.

Alopecia Areata in its early and mild form causes sudden, patchy hair loss in both men and women, due to hair follicles prematurely entering the resting phase. The causes are unclear, although there is some suggestion that stress can contribute to its development. There is evidence to suggest that in genetically susceptible individuals, factors such as physical trauma, viral infection or hormonal change can trigger this type of alopecia, which is thought to be a type of autoimmune disorder. Many people with Alopecia Areata find their hair loss is cyclical, with extensive loss in the winter and partial regrowth in the summer.

However, rather than being at the mercy of the seasons and external influences, it is possible to take positive action to treat this condition. Alopecia Areata does not cause scarring or permanently damage the hair follicles, so it is possible to help the hair to grow back.

Starting with hair loss treatments early on can be very successful. Belgravia’s trichologists have overlooked hundreds of cases of alopecia areata and in a large percentage of cases they have found Belgravia’s extra-strength formulation of minoxidil to be the most effective. Minoxidil 12.5% + Azelaic Acid is a cream produced by the Belgravia pharmacy that can be applied directly to areas of patchy hair loss. Please visit our Alopecia Areata photo-scans to view some before/after photos of cases of patchy hair loss that have been cleared up by the use of a Belgravia treatment programme.

If you would like to find out about the treatment programme most suitable for your particular condition and stage of hair loss you can contact the centre on 020 7730 6666 or alternatively send us a message with any enquiry you might have or to arrange a free consultation. Alternatively, if you are unable to get to our London centre please submit an online diagnostic form for a home-use treatment course. A treatment advisor will be in contact soon!

Here are some comments emailed from hair loss sufferers who visited for a consultation last week. Keep a lookout for our consultation feedback comments, which are uploaded every week…

“Leonara Doclis – I was a little apprehensive and nervous about going to Belgravia but Leonara made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. She explained my problem in detail and provided an expert opinion on what treatment would best suit me. Pam Loveday – Pam from the very first contact has been extremely friendly and explained everything to me in great detail. She has on many occasions answered my questions in a very professional manner. Receptionists - I was dealt with promptly and was treated very politely. I was also offered a treatment session and the lady that did this was very nice and explained everything she was doing and why she was doing it.”

“Daiva was very friendly, knowledgable, made sure I understood what she was saying and prompted me to ask questions. Very nice experience which put me at ease. Pam Loveday was extremely friendly, no pressure to buy, answered all my questions, made me feel confident in your service and about going ahead with the course without any obvious sales patter. Excellent. The receptionist I dealt with was again, friendly, knowledgable, asked me questions and explained a couple of things to me. Felt like she was part of the team and not just a face behind the desk. It’s a brilliant experience, far better than ******** **** ****** who I went to see a couple of weeks before. Thank you – I hope the treatment is as good as your service!”

“I can confirm that all the staff who I met yesterday were very professional and friendly. Susan in particular came across as being very understanding and caring for me as customer and as a person , so I would say she represents your company very well. So far so good, will give it a try…”

Here are some comments sent by email from hair loss sufferers that have visited for their first consultation in the last week. We post such comments on a weekly basis.

“I thought everyone was completely friendly, efficient and made me feel at ease. Leonora Doclis, was very proffesional, answered all my questions and diagonised my problems efficently and provided me with a remedy. Tasha Cox, was very friendly and went through all the payment packages and answered all my questions. Reception, the lady who greeted me was very friendly, efficient and answered me promptly and made me feel at ease.”

“Trichologist was good and very informative and explained our son’s problem really well. Daiva made Him feel much better in himself and once he was told that he was not the youngest client treated this made him feel a lot better and less nervous. Cherie again was very informative and explained the treatment in good detail. Reception ladies were good, polite and helpful. My wife and I were reluctant to visit due to our son’s age but once inside and after speaking to Daiva and Cherie we were all left feeling that our visit was worthwhile.”

“Susan was extremely helpful. There was obviously a lot covered during my time there so I am sure in time I will have further questions. It would be impossible for me to be critical of any of the staff I met.”

“Leonora explained everything about the examination and treatment recommendations clearly and made sure I understood everything I asked. I was fairly pleased with what she had to say. Cherie was very helpful when it came to explaining everything I wanted to know about the treatment. She made clear the costs and how they would all work.
I was happy with how the receptionists greeted me. I was seen to very quickly and had no problems.”

“Edyta was very friendly and professional. Trinity was good, answered all questions well and made me feel at ease about the system, and the receptionists were friendly and efficient.”

” Daiva was really nice! Very professional. Tasha was really down to earth – again, really nice. The reception were 100% fine.”

“I had hair extensions for years, after having them removed I had really thin hair, and bald patches in several places.  I was very depressed and it affected my confidence.  After the first 3 months of my treatment I noticed a big difference.  My hairline at the front of my hair is thicker.  I am now 9 months into my treatment my bald patches have gone and my hair is healthier and stronger.  All the staff are lovely and really helpful, they really care and spend a lot of time talking you through diet, lifestyle and the products you can use to protect your hair.  Money well spent and a big thank you to The Belgravia Centre.”

Charlotte Port

Diagnosis:  Female Pattern Hair Loss, Alopecia Areata, Chemical Trauma

 
Month 1                                       Month 9

       
Month 1                                       Month 9

Hair is a culturally significant natural accessory, but some specialists are calling for a ban on certain styling practices such as hair extensions and cornrows because they can severely damage peoples’ hair and scalp.

The Belgravia Centre, the UK’s leading hair loss centre, says these damaging styling habits can directly lead to hair loss and sporadic baldness.

Leonora Doclis, a senior hair and scalp specialist at the Belgravia Centre, says women who have hair extensions are often disappointed by the results.

“People who have hair extensions usually have high hopes they’ll look and feel good but very often it ends miserably,” Ms Doclis said.

“Wearing hair extensions for a long period of time can destroy hair permanently and lead to irreparable hair loss.”

Ms Doclis says the hair of young children is also at risk if it’s styled in braids, plaits, or cornrows.

“Their hair shouldn’t be controlled at a young age. Braiding and plaiting can pull the hair and it can be too tight on the scalp, causing problems like a receding hairline, baldness and hair loss.”

Jennifer Aniston is one of the many celebrities that were quick to warn others against hair extension after having her hair ruined by them three years ago.

“Nothing destroys your hair faster than extensions. [It took] a year and a half to get my hair grown out,” Aniston told Harper’s Bazaar at the time.

“I decided to have a couple of extensions, never knowing you end up with 400 things in your head that cause your hair to break off.”

Ms Doclis has seen first hand the damage caused by hair extensions, and believes it’s time that extensions which are glued-in, sewn-in or attached with a metal ring should be banned in the UK.

“Hair extensions pull out one’s natural hair,” she warned. “They’re heavy, don’t absorb water easily and can tangle very quickly.”

Ms Doclis acknowledged that the quality of hair extensions can make a difference, but with no regulation governing the hairdressing industry in the UK, many unqualified people are doing a poor job of adding hair extensions.

“Poor quality hair will snag with brushing and combing and eventually rip your hair out,” she said.

“But regardless, hair extensions are bad for hair and scalp health and if not addressed early enough the hair loss that results could be permanent.”

For more information about hair loss and the available treatments, contact the Belgravia Centre on 020 7730 6666 or message the centre.

More Information:
Hair Loss in Men
Hair Loss in Women
Hair Loss Treatments

Interesting Articles:
Solicitor Calls for Regulation of Hairdressers to Prevent Hair Loss Damage
The Extent of Hairstyling’s Effect on Hair Growth
Hair Loss in Children

Read how clients felt about visiting The Belgravia Centre for their hair loss tricho-check. Here are some of last week’s comments emailed by clients following their free consultation…

“Elena was very professional and has a lovely, caring ‘bedside manner’. Her explanations were very clear and she took the time to answer my questions – I didn’t feel rushed.  I appreciated her honesty.  I was very impressed with her, especially her knowledge of afro-caribbean hair (which I was not expecting!). The overall atmosphere was professional and relaxing.”

“The Trichologist, she has given me a very warm welcome, beyond my expectation. During the consultation she has explained to me about my hair losses and how it occurs. Susan Gleeson has also given me a very good welcome and discussed  the cost for the treatment. Everything was explained clearly to me about the products they used and the facility they offer for the payment.”

“The lady I first spoke to was a lovely and friendly person who made me feel comfortable and relaxed. Cherie Riding was a very beautiful and approachable lady who offered sound advice. On first impression, when I walked into reception, The Belgravia Centre struck me as a very well organised place, full of happy and helpful staff. The service is fantastic.”

Read how clients felt about visiting The Belgravia Centre for their hair loss tricho-check. Here are some of last week’s comments emailed by clients following their free consultation…

“Regarding the two staff I met during my consultation yesterday, I can say that I was highly impressed with both of them. I found both the examination and the consultation to be very professional and informative. There was no problem answering any of my many questions and at no time did I feel that there was a time constraint on my visit.
Many thanks to both.”

“I thought all the staff I saw were very professional and very helpful with the information they gave me. Very happy with the outcome and glad I came to see your team.”

“Vaida was very helpful answered question and listened to concerns. Gayzen again very helpful explaining in good detail what would happen and what to expect and when. Overall a relaxing session. I was put at ease from the moment I arrived and enjoyed the experience.”

“Vaida was polite and informative. I do believe English is not her first language hence the barrier to communication. Cherie was really friendly, polite and pleasure to see. She was very informative, not clinical or to conservative about the treatment. A real credit to your organisation and great joy to have met, I certainly will be recommending her to other people. The person who washed and did the treatment with the creams and lasercombs was exceptional friendly and warm personality.”

Read how clients felt about visiting The Belgravia Centre for their tricho-check. Here are some of last week’s comments emailed by clients following their free consultation. Each comment is from a different client…

“Both of the advisors I met with were very professional and helpful”

“I found both Vaida and Pam very helpful.  They did not just try to sell me the most expensive products, which one of your “competitors” had tried to do!  They were very honest and fair and Pam particularly had very good customer relation skills.  There was no pressure to puchase any products which was pleasing.  I haven’t yet bought anything but would expect to do so soon.”

“Edyta was very nice. She explained everything and made me feel much better about my worries. She was very imformative and caring. Pam was also lovely. She answered all my questions and made me feel very happy that I chose to come to the centre. Everybody at the centre were very welcoming. I’m glad I chose Belgravia, and will keep coming back for my treatment. Thank you for being so nice and helpful. I was so worried before but now I’m looking forward to the results I’ll hopefully see in the future.”

“I can confirm that my initial consultation with Vaida was friendly and informative as was the follow up with Gayzen who efficiently explained one or two of my concerns. It was a welcome change not to be pressurised there and then to sign up for treatment and Gayzen understood that as a pensioner I needed to discuss the financial aspect with my husband.  I subsequently telephoned her the next day of my decision and have since made an appointment to start my treatment today.”

“The examination with Loida was very informative and she explained concisely as to what condition I have and how it can be treated. She told me exactly how the treatment works and made me feel comfortable while carrying out her examination and answering any questions I had. Cherie was nice and friendly and outlined the course of treatment and the relative costs leaving me with very few questions to ask. It was good to talk to her as she was very helpful and and reassuring. Overall service was really good.”

“I was pleased with the service and I am hopeful with the proposed treatments. Loida Cadiogan was very professional and knowledgable about her subject, and I enjoyed talking with her. Cherie Ridding was also very professional and took me through the ordering process so that I was happy with what I have paid for. Cherie added in a check up consultation into the package and I look forward to coming back in 6 months to see if there is any progress.”