Ryan McDonald the victim of a fatal shooting at Central High School, Knoxville, Tennesse suffered with Alopecia. He was teased and taunted most of his life.
The following is a description of the autoimmune disorder , with its physical and emotional ramifications.
As Told by Campus Barber Shop Chapel Hill NC
Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of the body, as a result of an abnormal gene, mistakenly treats the hair as if it were a foreign invader. The condition is not caused by any microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi (therefore it is not contagious) and there is no good evidence that alopecia areta is brought on by either stress or chemical exposure.
Any hair-bearing area of the body may be affected, with the extent of hair loss ranging from patchy spots on the scalp to a loss of all the hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) to a loss of all the hair on the entire body (alopecia universalis). About 1 to 2 percent of those affected develop the latter two extensive forms. Alopecia areata can occur in combination with other forms of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness).
The rate, extent and pattern of hair loss varies considerably. New patches of hair loss may occur at the same time that other areas are undergoing re-growth. Although the hair can grow back spontaneously at any time, it can fall out again, and the frequency of recurrent episodes cannot be predicted. The more extensive the hair loss and the longer the duration, the less likely it will grow back.
Itching and tingling may be present prior to or concurrent with the development of the alopecia areata. Sometimes finger and toe nails may become distorted (e.g. finely pitted)--a condition that may also precede or coincide with the onset of alopecia areata, as well as persist even if the hair does grow back.
There are generally no other symptoms associated directly with alopecia. However, people with the condition may have a higher incidence of certain ailments, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, hay fever, thyroid disease and autoimmune disorders such as lupus, vertiligo and rheumatoid arthritis. Although a direct cause and effect relationship between these disorders and the development of alopecia areata has not been documented, the hair is less likely to grow back in the presence of asthma or atopic dermatitis. Moreover, the treatment of any of these associated conditions does not necessarily result in an arrest of the alopecia areata.
What are the psychological ramifications?
Although alopecia areata is medically benign, it can be psychologically devastating. The loss of hair--with its sudden onset and unpredictability of both its severity and recurrence--evokes not only cosmetic concerns, but also rouses up feelings of vulnerability, loss of self-esteem, loss of control, helplessness and alterations in self-image. In fact, a grief reaction often occurs.
Family, friends and even physicians may suggest to those with alopecia areata that their hair loss is brought on by stress, which may cause those affected to engage in self-blame. Further, people with alopecia areata are often "comforted" by family and friends that at least they do not have cancer, but only a benign cosmetic problem, thus inducing feelings of guilt for feeling so terrible. This often prevents those affected from verbalizing their feelings, which, in time, can lead to emotional isolation.