Latest answers to questions about alopecia areata:

Q. Is lack of iron associated with alopecia? A. Low iron levels don't cause areata. But it is recommended the person should be in the normal range, (30-40 is the normal range). Correcting iron in the blood won't affect areata, although if the person does have low iron levels its useful to find out why. Causes can be absorption

Q What part of the hair follicle is targeted in alopecia? A It's the pigment cell (called the melanocyte) in the hair which is targeted. Perhaps this explains why hair often grows back white. Sometimes the melanocyte in the skin is targeted as in cases of vitaligo. Grey hair is not targeted so if a person loses their hair in later life often the grey hair remains. Currently they know what is being targeted but do not know how to stop the immune response.

Q. What is the % for people who have alopecia to pass this on to other family members and what is the prevalence in families that have members with this condition? A. There is a 10% chance that you can pass this on or that someone else in your immediate family will also have AA. Both genetic sides of the family contribute to AA. It is a rare and unpredictable condition and the studies are still taking place. There are 5,000 registered on the AA registry and of those people 200 have 2 or more members of there family showing symptoms. On the brighter note this means that 90% do not pass on this condition J Family Incidence: There are two forms of Alopecia Areata - If the first incidence of Alopecia Areata occurs before 30 years there is a higher incidence of more family members being effected and a higher chance of Alopecia Universalis. If you have your first incidence of AA after 30 years these things lessen.

Q. What connection is there between illnesses followed by alopecia? A. Alopecia can occur after illness particularly in children. In a child who has a tendency to alopecia, hair can start to fall out again after an illness. This helps to explain the pattern of growth then loss seen with children.