(NECN) - About 4 million Americans have Alopecia, but many do not even know what it is.
The auto immune disease causes sudden and, sometimes, total hair loss.
Dermatologist Dr. Ruth Tedaldi joined "The Morning Show" to discuss Alopecia and how if impacts men, women, and even children.
She also takes a look at one patient who turned to Permanent Makeup Artist Julie Michaud when she started to lose her eyebrows and eyelashes.
There are several different types of Alopecia, including:
-Alopecia Areata-patches
-Alopecia totalis-complete baldness in the affected area
- Alopecia universalis-entire body suffers complete hair loss
For unusual hair loss, one should:
-Talk to your doctor
-Look into the several different causes
-Consider different treatment options- its not one size fits all
Local
Chrissa, the patient featured in the video, helps run an Alopecia support group. They meet the first Monday of each month at the Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Mass. at 7 p.m. This group is open to new members.
For other skin care questions, email: Tedalditreatment@www.necn.com.
