Congenital Atrichia: An Early Onset Of Hair Loss

Congenital atrichia is a hair loss type is a condition that is present from birth and may go on for a lifetime. It is described as innate and ingrained in a person as he is affected by hereditary factors. It may be difficult to treat but natural and cosmetic options are available.

Congenital atrichia is a type of hair loss that is characterized by a unique condition. This is the first human hair loss that is caused by a single gene defect. People with congenital atrichia can be born with a full head of hair like a normal baby. As early as childhood, people with congenital atrichia could totally lose their hair. The worst scenario is that lost hair may never grow back again.

Analysis of congential atrichia

Normal hair follicles rely on chemical communication between two basic cell types namely the modified keratinocytes and the dermal papilla cells. The first basic type forms the skin epithelium, or the protective layer of the tissues. The epithelium is a thin layer of tightly packed cells lining the internal cavities.

Dermal Papilla Cells, on the other hand, is the modified fibroblasts of the skin. Fibroblasts are the cell producing connective tissues that secretes collagen and elastic fibers.

These two cells communicate through biochemical signals to ensure that the hair growth and cycling occurs. These cells must stay in close contact with each other to keep the process going.

Mechanisms of congenital atrichia

The mechanism of congenital atrichia is not fully understood. In early childhood, the hair follicles enter the first resting (telogen) state causing the two cells to separate.

The dermal papilla cells would also go with the retracting epithelial cells, by keeping in close contact with the latter. In the case of congenital atrichia, this particular state does not happen. If these two cells separate and there is no communication between them, a new anagen growth phase cannot occur and hair never grows again.

Congenital Atrichia is genetic and runs in the family. This gene defect can spontaneously develop in some embryos born to parents who do not have the condition. Some people that are diagnosed with alopecia universalis have congenital atrichia, instead.

Tips in addressing congenital atrichia

It may be difficult to combat this form of hair loss. For people who have learned to accept congenital atrichia as it is, there is no problem of wandering around and mingling with people. For others though, this may lead to some sort of self-deprivation and socialization with others would be too difficult to handle.

Practically speaking, it is best to address congenital atrichia with cosmetic approaches. The emergence of wigs, toupees and other hairpieces could help enhance the look. At first, questions may come and go but it is best to be calm about the situation. Yes, you have to shed some cash but if it is necessary, invest on anything that could improve your appearance.

Tags: congenital atrichia, cosmetic approach, dermal papilla cells, epithelium, fibroblasts, hair loss, hairpieces, modified keratinocytes

Click here to see Top Rated Hair Loss Treatment Products Reviewed by Our Staff