Know more about alopecia, the condition that made Jada Pinkett Smith shave her head

Social media was abuzz following Will Smith's attack on Chris Rock at the Oscars, after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's hair. 

While presenting the award for 'Best Documentary', Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith's appearance, likening it to Demi Moore, who had her hair shaved while acting in 'G.I. Jane'. However, even though some of the audience laughed, Jada was not impressed with the joke and this led to her husband going on stage and smacking Chris before telling him to "Keep my wife's name out of your f**king mouth."

Jada experienced hair loss due to the autoimmune disorder alopecia. She opened up about her battle with alopecia in 2018, describing it as 'terrifying'. 

WATCH: Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at Oscars

What is alopecia areata? 

 It is an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in small patches.

American Academy of Dermatology Association describes it as "when you have alopecia areata, cells in your immune system surround and attack your hair follicles (the part of your body that makes hair). This attack on a hair follicle causes the attached hair to fall out."

The disease affects both men and women equally and is not age-related. 

Causes 

The cause of alopecia areata is unknown, however, people with a family history are more susceptible to developing it. 

"It’s estimated that about 10% to 20% of people with alopecia areata have a family member who has it," states AAD. 

Other conditions that can put a person at risk include; celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, hay fever, atopic dermatitis, thyroid disease, vitiligo, or Down syndrome.

Symptoms 

Those who suffer from the disease will experience hair loss. Although the condition mostly affects the scalp, it can also occur on any part of the body that has hair. 

Other people will experience thinning of hair, itching or burning in the area of hair loss, and changes in the nails. The nail changes might include developing white spots and white lines or nails becoming thin, splitting or becoming rough. 

In rare cases, some patients might experience total loss of the hair on the head, a condition called alopecia areatotal. 

Treatment 

There is no known cure for alopecia areata, however, it is important to know that in some cases, the hair can regrow on its own.

Doctors will prescribe the right treatment based on the condition. The treatment will help prevent further hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Some of the treatments can include injection, creams, and ointments. 

READ: Will Smith bungee jumps off Victoria Falls bridge

Image courtesy of Instagram.

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.