What Is Alopecia? Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta Explains Jada Pinkett Smiths Hair-Loss Condition
In a video on Instagram, dermatologist Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta shares some information about alopecia.
On Sunday night, the talking point of the 94th Academy Awards was the moment when actor Will Smith walked up to the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock after he joked about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, for her shaved head. Midway through the Oscars, Rock suggested that Pinkett Smith should do a “G.I. Jane” sequel. Pinkett Smith has spoken out about her battle with alopecia areata, a condition in which your immune system attacks your hair follicles. It can also be stigmatising for some people, leading to feelings of depression or mental illness. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the disease throughout the years.
In a new video on Instagram, dermatologist Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta shared some information about alopecia. The caption reads, “Noticing hair loss in small, round patches on your scalp? It could be a sign of alopecia areata.”
The dermatologist then went on to explain about the disease in detail.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is a common skin illness in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles for unexplained reasons, resulting in hair loss on the scalp, face, or other parts of the body. It can affect people of all genders and at any age, although young adults and children are the most vulnerable.
Is alopecia areata a serious disease?
No, it can occur in healthy individuals. Patients with alopecia areata have a higher risk of developing eczema, asthma, nasal allergies, and vitiligo.
What's the treatment?
There is no cure. Topical and local injections can promote hair growth, but patches of hair may continue to fall out.
Watch Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta's video here: