Alopecia areata: The autoimmune disorder Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from
What's a big award show without some drama? The 94th Academy Awards, other than making headlines with the winners and nominees, also hit headlines for Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock live during the event. And, the reason behind the violence? Rock made a rather insensitive joke about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith starring in G.I. Jane 2 because of her shaved head.
Pinkett Smith's struggle with the disease
Pinkett Smith has an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata, which develops when the body attacks its hair follicles, causing hair loss. She first revealed her condition in 2018 on her Red Table Talk series, saying it "was terrifying" to deal with when alopecia first started. She used to find "handfuls of hair" in the shower and decided to cut her hair.
How does alopecia areata affect one's health?
There is no cure for alopecia areata, but it is not contagious. Many people with this disorder are otherwise healthy. It is a condition that can affect anyone regardless of gender at any age and can lead to complete hair loss on the scalp or the whole body in extreme cases. It is possible to experience years-long random cycles of hair loss and regrowth.
What happens in this autoimmune disorder?
Patients may experience hair loss and sometimes nail changes like the appearance of ridges, dents, and brittle nails. In most cases, hair falls out in small patches. For some, the hair loss is much more than a few patches and can be more extreme. However, despite losing a few patches of hair, some people have experienced full hair recovery without the need for treatment.
What causes alopecia?
In an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks the body. However, alopecia areata sees hair follicles being attacked instead. Although doctors are not sure why it occurs, they presume people who get it have something in their genes. You're more likely to get alopecia areata if there's a family member who has it or if you have asthma, down syndrome, seasonal allergies, or vitiligo.
Symptoms of alopecia
Little bald patches may appear on your scalp or other parts of your body. While your hair grows back in one spot, it falls off in another. You experience sudden and tremendous hair loss over a short time. Nails can become red, brittle, and dented. You may feel a tingling or burning sensation on your skin before the hair falls out from that area.
