What is alopecia, the disease suffered by Jada Pinkett Smith?

 

Jada Pinkett Smith drank too much in her teens

The actress Jada Pinkett Smith has been characterized by her honesty and courage to reveal intimate episodes of her life, including the open relationship she has with her husband, actor Will Smith , her addictions to alcohol and drugs and the reason why decided to shave his head.

But what she was not prepared for was to be the center of jokes by comedian Chris Rock , precisely because of her baldness, during the Oscars. As millions of people attested, Rock said he couldn't wait to see the "GI Jane 2" version, referring to the shaved head of the actress, who rolled her eyes at her comment.

Her husband then got up to hit Rock and demanded that he not mention Jada's name. Moments later, Smith had to take the stage to receive the Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard and apologized for his behavior to the Academy and the audience, but not to Rock.

The episode has been the most talked about at the Oscars due to the unexpectedness of the confrontation between the actors and has divided public opinion between those who support Smith's behavior and those who criticize it. But it has also served to draw attention to alopecia, that is, the hair loss that forced Jada to shave.

The 50-year-old actress suffers from alopecia due to an immune system disorder. It is a disease in which the body attacks its own hair follicles. It can affect the whole body or just the scalp and can be temporary or permanent. According to Dr. Adam Friedman, associate professor and chief of dermatology at George Washington University, "The body's natural defenses don't recognize hair as a good thing, so the immune system attacks it."

The Harvard University School of Medicine estimates that around a third of women suffer from some degree of hair loss throughout their lives and stresses that, in the United States, this condition particularly affects Hispanics and women. black.

An article published by the National Library of Medicine explains that the disease begins with the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles leading to a decrease in hair density. This results in alopecia, that is, the total loss of hair.

Although this disease is very common and has a serious psychological impact on women, it is not known if there is a single cause that causes it. Scientists only know that it is influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. For this reason, no single treatment has been discovered to treat this problem.

In general, the disease has a slow and progressive course that begins during a woman's reproductive years. The most severe cases occur from puberty. But the greatest demand for the treatment of this disease is among women who are between 25 and 40 years old. The second most affected group by age is among women entering menopause, that is, between 50 and 60 years old.

Symptoms

Experts from the Mayo Clinic indicate that hair loss can present itself in many ways, depending on the cause. Some of the most prominent symptoms are the following:

Gradual loss on the top of the head . This condition affects people as they age, whether they are men or women. In the former, the hair begins to recede on the forehead and in the latter, at the hairline.

Circular or irregular bald spots. They appear in the form of circles or patches and the skin may be itchy or sore, before the hair falls out.

Sudden loosening of hair . A strong physical or emotional event can trigger hair loss, but it is temporary.

Hair loss all over the body. Some diseases or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, cause temporary hair loss.

Flaking areas that extend to the entire scalp . This is a symptom of ringworm and can be accompanied by brittle hair, redness and swelling.

Causes

People typically lose 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. But when this amount is higher, it may be related to the following causes, according to specialists from the Mayo Clinic:

Family background. This disorder is called androgenetic alopecia and affects both sexes. It occurs progressively and in predictable patterns: a receding hairline in men and thinning hair in women.

Hormonal changes and diseases. Disorders that cause hair loss include hormonal changes from pregnancy, labor, menopause, and thyroid problems

Medicines and supplements. Some medications, such as those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, and heart problems, can cause hair loss.

stressful events A physical or emotional shock can cause general hair loss temporarily.

Hairstyles and treatments. Hairstyles that pull a lot on the hair, hot oil treatments, and perms can all cause hair loss.

Risk factor's

Family history of baldness on the paternal or maternal side

Age

significant weight loss

Medical conditions such as diabetes and lupus

Stress

Bad nutrition

Prevention

Because most cases of baldness are caused by genetics, Mayo Clinic experts point out that there is no prevention for this type of problem. However, they assure that these tips can help prevent certain types of hair loss:

Be kind to your hair. Use a mild conditioner to detangle your hair and avoid pulling your hair, especially if it's wet. Try to use a wide-tooth comb and avoid harsh treatments like hot curlers, flat irons, hot oils, and perms. Also avoid wearing garters, rubber bands, or braiding your hair.

Eat a diet rich in vegetables and protein.

Stop smoking . Some studies have shown the relationship between smoking and baldness.

Protects hair from sunlight and sources of ultraviolet rays.