Eleven, Bald, Brave, and Successful!
August 12, 2008 | By admin
Olivia Rusk lost all of her hair at age two, just after she had her childhood vaccines. Although her hair grew back by the time Olivia turned four, she recently lost all her hair again and this time it wasn’t just the hair on her head. Her eyebrows and eyelashes fell out too.
Olivia suffers from alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid and severe hair loss. Little is known about this disease and there is no known cure. Treatments may work but are unreliable. Most people who suffer from alopecia wear wigs or hairpieces to hide their hair loss.
But not eleven-year-old Olivia Rusk. Olivia has chosen to go “el natural” and hasn’t let hair loss interfere with her self-esteem or her life. In fact, Olivia has already launched a successful career. She was recently chosen to be a kid caster on Radio Disney, an opportunity that Olivia is very excited about.
“They interviewed me about my story and … they just loved me so much that they said, would you like to be a kid caster? And I was like, uh yeah, Radio Disney!”
She’s also worked as a model and together with her mom, Sandy Rusk, has launched an innovative t-shirt company called What Do You See Designs. Each t-shirt features an ink blot and the phrase “What do you see?” The designs represent the way people see things differently, especially when they look at bald people. Read more
Technorati Tags: alopecia areata, balding, children, hair loss, naafThe Bald Truth’s New Website
August 10, 2008 | By admin
Many of you already know that Spencer Kobren, American Hair Loss Association Founder, also runs a weekly radio program called The Bald Truth. Recently, The Bald Truth’s website got a thorough makeover including plenty of fresh features and a slick new interface design.
While the images and color scheme largely remain the same, the new site is streamlined for better usability. The easy navigation bar near the top of the site directs you to the various sections within, where you can learn about the show and its host, watch video clips, access resources, and get in touch with the folks behind the red curtain.
The site now features articles on hair loss that are targeted toward the Maxim crowd. Recent titles include “Hair Loss and Culture - Debunking the Stereotypes” and “Emotional Self Defense – How Hair Loss Sufferers Can Ward Off Verbal Attacks.”
The site also welcomes and publishes letters from listeners and shines a spotlight on “Hair Loss in Hollywood.” Get involved by sending in a letter about your own experiences with hair loss and find out how hair loss impacts the Hollywood crowd.
Another section contains featured segments from The Bald Truth broadcasts. So, if the show isn’t syndicated in your geographic area, you can still listen to many episodes. The segments play directly inside your web browser, so you don’t have to download or wait for large audio files. Just click the play button and turn up the volume on your speakers!
Best of all, by simply entering your email address in the subscription box, you’ll get regular articles and updates sent directly to your inbox!
Anyone suffering from hair loss will be sure to appreciate The Bald Truth’s renovated site and all it has to offer. With regular article publication and show production, the site is sure to expand into an exciting resource packed with information presented in a clear and entertaining way.
Don’t miss it: www.thebaldtruth.com
Technorati Tags: hair loss, spencer kobren, the bald truthThe History of Hair Transplant Surgery
July 9, 2008 | By Spencer Kobren
Hair transplant surgery originated in Japan. In 1939, Dr. Okuda, a Japanese dermatologist developed a breakthrough process to restore hair loss caused by scalp injuries and for burn victims. He used a punch technique, which involved extracting small sections of hair-bearing skin and implanting these into even smaller holes in the areas where skin had been damaged. Once these grafts healed, they produced hair in areas that were previously bald.
Just a few years later another Japanese dermatologist, Dr. Tamura, improved upon Okuda’s method by minimizing the size of the grafts down to one to three hairs each. He was working with women and restoring hair in the pubic area. The surgery that Dr. Tamura developed is quite similar to surgeries that are still performed to this day.
Because these innovative developments in hair restoration surgery occurred around the time of World War II, they did not become accessible in the U.S. until many years later.
During the early 1950s, New York dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich completed the first hair transplant in the United States for a man who had male pattern baldness. Orentreich faced much criticism for the procedure that he’d developed. His technique was similar to Dr. Okuda’s, and did not render attractive or natural looking results. He did, however, establish that hair on the back and sides of a man’s scalp was not prone to balding.
Hair transplants became a more sought after cosmetic procedure by the 1960s, but because the early procedures were largely ineffective and extremely unnatural in appearance, hair transplant surgery developed a negative reputation which unfortunately plagues the field to this day. It took almost three decades for hair transplant surgeons to develop significant improvements to these early methods.
In the 1990s, follicular unit transplantion was introduced and changed the hair transplant field forever. Finally, the old stigmas could be dismissed and hair restoration could become a viable option for hair loss sufferers.
Today, surgeons continue to improve upon hair transplant techniques. Today’s techniques produce stunning results and are increasingly embraced by hair loss sufferers.
To learn more about what to look for when considering hair transplant surgery, visit the what to look for when considering hair transplant surgery section at The American Hair Loss Association website.
And remember, never underestimate the importance of choosing the right hair transplant surgeon. Make sure your doctor is a member of The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG).
~Spencer Kobren
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, hair transplant, hair transplant surgery, history, iahrs.org, spencer kobrenNatural Hair Growth Institute - Steve Bennis / Jon Yates Reports On Unsatisfied Client
July 7, 2008 | By admin
In a recent article titled Hair Growth Treatment Leaves Big Hole in Woman’s Wallet, the Chicago Tribune reports that Shelley Lindsay, a forty-year-old hairdresser, paid almost eleven thousand dollars for a hair loss treatment in which she was offered a money back guarantee.
In this Chicago Tribune column, Lindsay states, “He wanted the money right there, upfront, And of course I made a bad decision.” Jon Yates reports:
“Lindsay wrote a check Sept. 4 and began the six-month regimen. Twice a week, she spent 30 minutes under an NHGI laser machine, a slick contraption that looks like a hair dryer from “The Jetsons.” She took three pills three times a day, dietary supplements supposed to aid the re-growth process. She used Bennis Hair Sciences shampoo, conditioner and cleanser. She applied two tonics— “morning formula” and “evening formula”—religiously.
Because the program was so expensive, Lindsay took her own before-and-after photos. She also shot video of her hair on the night she signed the contract and again several weeks ago.
She saw no results.
After the six months had ended, she complained to Bennis, who extended her treatments one more month, she said. When that month was over, she still hadn’t seen a difference, she said.
Lindsay said she tried for about two months to schedule a final appointment to discuss getting her money back, but Bennis would not return her calls. On April 11, she sent him a certified letter. For weeks, he did not respond.”
It was at this point Shelly Lindsay wrote the Chicago Tribunes’s “What’s Your Problem” column written by Jon Yates on April 30, 2008.
Be a smart hair loss treatment consumer and remember to check with The American Hair Loss Association before buying any product or service to treat your hair loss.
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, hair loss, Hair loss treatments, low level laser light therapy, natural hair growth institute, spencer kobren, steve bennisHair Loss in Children (Part Two) – Additional Causes and Treatments
July 6, 2008 | By Spencer Kobren
In a previous article, we looked at the two most common causes of hair loss in children, tinea capitis and alopecia areata. Although those are the most likely causes, they are not the only ones. Trauma and a condition called telogen effluvium can also cause hair loss in the young.
Trauma
Trauma to the hair shaft is often caused by traction, which is the result of tight braids and ponytails worn consistently. Trauma may also be caused by friction, such as when the head is constantly rubbing against a bed or wheelchair. Chemical burns are another form of trauma.
Trichotillomania is the habit of twirling and plucking the hair. It’s considered an obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is difficult to treat. It also causes trauma to the hair shaft.
If the actions that are causing trauma to the hair shaft can be eliminated, hair will usually re-grow.
Hair follicles have long growth phases (two to six years), which are followed by brief transitional phases in which the follicle degenerates. Next, there is a resting phase (about three months) when the follicle is dormant. This is the final or telogen phase. After the telogen phase, the growth cycle starts all over. New hairs grow and push out old hair shafts.
At any given time, eighty to ninety percent of the follicles are in growth phase and five percent are in the transition phase. Ten to fifteen percent of follicles are in the telogen phase, which means 50-150 hairs are shed daily.
Children suffering from telogen effluvium have a hair growth cycle that is being interrupted, causing many or all hairs to be in the telogen (final or shedding) phase.
Telogen effluvium can be caused by high fevers, surgery under general anesthesia, an excess of vitamin A, severe stress or injuries, and use of certain prescription medications (such as accutane for acne).
While telogen effluvium is devastating and can be difficult to cope with, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. After whatever is causing the hair loss has passed or been eliminated, full and normal hair growth should begin again within six months to a year.
If your child is suffering with hair loss, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and remember, contact The American Hair Loss Association before buying any product or service for the treatment of hair loss.
~Spencer Kobren
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, children, hair loss, spencer kobren, telogen effluvium, treatments, TrichotillomaniaHair Loss in Children – The Most Common Causes
July 5, 2008 | By Spencer Kobren
If you think hair loss in children is extremely rare, you’ll be surprised to learn it’s not that uncommon. Approximately three percent of all pediatric visits in the U.S. are related to children’s hair loss. Hair loss is difficult for most adults. When it comes to children, it’s heartbreaking.
The good news is that most children who suffer from hair loss can be successfully treated. The key is early and accurate diagnosis. That’s why it’s crucial to get pediatric advice from a medical professional as soon as hair loss is noticed.
There are a number of conditions that cause hair loss in children. Tinea capitis and alopecia areata are the most common.
Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
Tinea capitis is the single most common cause of hair loss in children and is brought on by a fungal infection. It causes patchy hair loss and broken hairs. Patches are usually round or oval but can take various shapes. Gray flakes may also be present.
It is treated with an oral antifungal medication taken for eight weeks along with Nizoral shampoo, which is used on the scalp 2-3 times per week. For treatment to succeed, this regimen must be followed precisely. Children using the treatment are not contagious.
Alopecia Areata
With alopecia areata, oval patches appear suddenly and they are completely bald and smooth. There is no inflammation, flaking, or broken hair. This condition affects one in a thousand children and twenty-five percent of these children will also have pitting and ridging of the nails.
Treatment is usually provided by a dermatologist and a large percentage of children will have all of their hair back within a year. None of the treatments currently available cure alopecia areata but they can help reverse the symptoms.
Other Conditions
Other conditions that may cause hair loss in children include trauma and telogen effluvium. These will be explored in a later article.
~Spencer Kobren
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, Children’s hair loss, hair loss, spencer kobren, telogen effluvium, Tinea capitisThe National Alopecia Areata Foundation
July 4, 2008 | By admin
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) has one thing on its mind: hair loss. The NAAF focuses exclusively on one type of hair loss, alopecia areata, and provides various support for both sufferers of alopecia areata and those who are seeking to cure and treat the disease.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia Areata is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss. Two in a hundred people suffer from alopecia areata and it can affect anyone – men, women, and children are all susceptible. Hair loss is sudden and can occur literally overnight, appearing in oval, circular or irregularly shaped bald patches on the scalp.
You can learn more about presentation, diagnosis, and treatment at the American Hair Loss Association’s Alopecia Areata page.
What is the NAAF?
The NAAF is a non-profit organization that is led by an all-volunteer board of directors and a scientific advisory council. The NAAF was founded in 1981 and is the biggest and most influential foundation that works on behalf of researchers and hair loss sufferers who deal with alopecia areata.
The organization’s mission is clearly stated on their website, which you can visit at www.naaf.org:
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) supports research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those with the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata. The mission is accomplished by:
• Funding research and research workshops that add to the scientific knowledge about alopecia areata, its causes, and different treatments.
• Providing local support and education for people with alopecia areata and their families.
• Informing the public about alopecia areata.
• Advocating the concerns of people affected alopecia areata.
• Creating and distributing educational materials to health professionals as well as those affected, so that all may better understand alopecia areata.
Support
The NAAF has established support groups all across the globe, as well as an extensive support network. The support is provided to individuals with alopecia areata as well as their families and friends. You can learn more by visiting the NAAF’s support page.
The extensive support network offers a pen pal program, online message boards, telephone contacts, and several other ways that people who are dealing with alopecia areata can connect, share information, and provide support. The NAAF website has a network page you can visit to get more information about joining a network.
Getting Help
Dealing with alopecia areata is trying and can be quite devastating. The NAAF works toward finding a cure and viable treatments while providing much-needed support for those who have been affected by this disease. If you or someone you love is suffering from alopecia areata, get in touch with the NAAF and find out how they can help you.
Also remember to check with The American Hair Loss Association before you purchase any product or treatment to treat your hair loss.
Technorati Tags: alopecia areata, American Hair Loss Association, hair loss, National Alopecia Areata FoundationHow To Help a Loved One Cope with Hair Loss
July 1, 2008 | By admin
Many people think hair loss is a laughing matter but most hair loss sufferers do not agree. The experience is different for everyone. For some, it’s a mild annoyance; for others, it’s traumatic.
When someone you love is dealing with hair loss, you can step up and become part of their support system. The worst thing you can do is make hair loss more difficult than it already is.
What to avoid
First and foremost, you should never mention a person’s hair loss or baldness in a moment of anger. Using hair loss as an insult is hitting way below the belt and referring to it in a negative or derogatory manner borders on abusive.
Some people who are bald or balding will make fun of their own hair loss. Using humor as a coping mechanism can be beneficial and laughter is excellent medicine. However, when it comes to teasing, tread carefully.
It’s one thing to laugh at yourself. It’s another thing entirely when other people are laughing at you. Some people are more sensitive to this than others. A good rule of thumb is to never tease a hair loss sufferer, even if they tease themselves.
What you can do
When a person complains about hair loss, the best thing you can do is downplay the effects of balding on the person’s appearance or self worth and focus on the positive. Sometimes a hair loss sufferer needs to be reminded that you love them but not just for their hair. With this said, don’t discount the realty of how hair loss affects a person’s self esteem.
Keep in mind that how a hair loss sufferer deals with balding is ultimately up to him or her. Some will decided to seek treatment through medicine or surgery. Others will use a wig or hairpiece to deal with their hair loss. Some will not do anything at all.
Whatever a person decides as the best course of action for dealing with hair loss, be supportive of that decision. Do not encourage a person to seek a treatment such as surgery or use a wig unless they discuss their desire to look into these options. Commit to being a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, Coping, hair loss, hair loss treatment, hair transplant, wigsBirth Control and Hair Loss
June 19, 2008 | By admin
Women who use oral contraceptives might be surprised to learn that hair loss is a common side effect of the pill.
The pill has been available since the 1960s and is one the most popular forms of birth control on the market. It’s also used by many women to keep menstruation cycles regular, to alleviate acne, and to decrease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While there are many benefits to taking the pill, it does not protect individuals against sexually transmitted diseases and it may cause hair loss.
The pill’s primary function is to suppress ovulation. This is achieved by using the hormones estrogen and progestin to arrest fertility. Since hormones are also the primary trigger for hair loss, the pill includes a risk for inducing alopecia, which is the medical term for hair loss. Some women are predisposed for hormone related hair loss and have a greater likelihood of experiencing alopecia as a side effect of taking the pill.
Hair loss triggered by the pill varies. In some cases, the loss is minimal. Other times, it can be drastic. Hair loss may not occur until after a woman has stopped taking the pill. While oral contraceptives are safe and effective, women whose family histories include hair loss need to be forewarned that taking the pill could cause them to lose their hair. Knowing this, women can make better and more informed decisions about how to approach birth control.
There are a number of different oral contraceptives available. Those with low androgen index are less likely to cause hair loss. Women concerned about the possibility of hair loss as a side effect of using oral contraceptives should ask their doctors about low-androgen index pills and non-hormonal birth control methods.
The American Hair Loss Association has published a list of birth control pills ordered by lowest androgen index to highest. If you feel you are at risk for hair loss, ask your doctor about getting on a pill that is low-androgen or talk to your OB-GYN about other methods of birth control.
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, birth control, hair loss, oral contraceptives, women’s hair lossHairless Man Rallies Medicaid Support to Provide Hair Pieces for Hair Loss Sufferers
June 7, 2008 | By admin
If you lose a limb, Medicaid will cover the cost for a prosthetic replacement. However, if you lose your hair, you are out of luck – even if you lose all your hair, including the hair all over your face and body.
Three years ago, Redwood City resident Matt Kelley lost every hair on his body over the coarse of six weeks. Forty-one-year-old Kelley suffers from alopecia areata, a relatively uncommon autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles.
The experience brought on a deep depression and in an article on Inside Bay Area, Kelley explains that he was emotionally devastated from his hair loss.
Matt Kelley decided to take action.
He worked to raise awareness about his disease and eventually that awareness spread into the halls of Congress. On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto introduced a bill that would require Medicaid to provide alopecia areata patients with prosthetic hairpieces.
It’s a bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Heather Wilson, R-New Mexico and would mandate that federal and state health care provider Medicaid pay for one prosthetic hair piece per year for patients with severe forms of alopecia areata.
Approximately 4 million Americans suffer from alopecia areata. The psychological effects of the disease are often devastating and can lead to depression and anxiety.
When Matt Kelley was in the throes of the disease, he felt “unattractive and as though everyone was staring at him.” Those who have experienced severe forms of hair loss explain that many people simply do not understand the psychological pain that it can cause.
Today, Matt Kelley is the founder of several sports memorabilia stores throughout the Bay Area. He chooses not to wear a wig and has found that humor and a positive attitude help him cope with his total body hair loss. Still, he believes that having access to hairpieces will help people with alopecia areata cope with the disease.
“Hair is kind of an integral part of our culture,” Kelley says. “It doesn’t help you walk like a prosthetic leg might, but it helps you get out the door and deal with society.”
Read the entire article
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