Book Description
Alopecia areata is an unpredictable disorder that affects more than two and a half million men, women, and children in the United States and Canada. Causing patchy hair loss on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere on the body, this mysterious, noncontagious condition can be treated but it cannot yet be cured. Alopecia Areata: Understanding and Coping with Hair Loss is a sensitive yet straightforward guide to the diagnosis and treatment of this poorly understood disease. With great compassion, the authors explain how hair loss can profoundly affect a person's quality of life. They discuss what it means to be diagnosed with alopecia areata, and provide medically reliable information on the latest research, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Thompson and Shapiro also offer practical strategies for living with alopecia areata, which can go in and out of remission without any apparent reason. They discuss the physical and psychological adjustments to wearing a hairpiece and give pointers on selecting, securing, and maintaining a wig, whether human hair or synthetic, custom or ready-made. Alopecia Areata includes a chapter devoted to the special needs of children with this condition and concludes with an epilogue that tells the story of a day in the life of a woman with alopecia areata, illustrating the various challenges she faces and the strategies she uses to cope with these challenges. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good overview
A really good overview for those newly diagnosed (or friends, family thereof).Provides sufficient information that an alopecia sufferer is unlikely to pursue quacky, expensive, ineffective treatments.Also includes psychological impacts of the condition.Skip the other books about Alopecia (I've read them all).This is the best there is.

Excellent, easy to read, easy to understand, inspiring
As a person recently diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis (all body), I found this book to be very informative, as well as easy to read and understand.

It helped me to understand that there are other people in theworld with the same problem that I have.

I would strongly recommend thisbook to anyone interested in learning more about alopecia.

I understandthrough my dermatologist that Jerry Shapiro is THE person for North Americawhen it comes to knowing about alopecia.

I hope it helps other people theway it has helped me.

a very thorough "lay person's" textbook for dealing with AA
This is a very informative book dealing with the many physical and psychological aspects of alopecia areata. Treatments are discussed as well as purchasing wigs, hats, etc.Having dealt with AA for almost 3 yrs. now, I found that there wasn't a lot of information that I didn't already know.However, the book has been helpful in helping friends and family learn more about AA. ... Read more

Product Description
In a society that equates youth, health and even sexual attractiveness with luxurious manes of hair, a woman who goes suddenly bald faces a nightmare of emotions: grief, loss, horror, humilation and fear. In Bald As A Bean, the author, diagnosed with alopecia areata totalis universalis (total hair loss over the entire body), learns to cope with her baldness and shares her story with calm vision and touches humor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Must Read
Bald as a Bean: The Experience of Sudden Hair Loss is at the top of my must read list. The author, Nancy Parsons, draws the reader into a world turned upside down when she is diagnosed with the disease, alopecia areata totalis universalis. (total hair loss over the entire body)

Nancy shares her intensive and sometimes agonizing physical and spiritual struggle when faced with this disease. From the initial shock of finding large clumps of hair on the shower floor, to the overwhelming diagnosis, Nancy chronicles the medical and holistic treatments, as well as the emotional and physical obstacles that she fights to overcome.

By revealing her most intimate thoughts, Nancy eloquently affirms the statement,
"Although alopecia areata is not life threatening, it is most certainly life altering."
We become aware of how much society values hair, and when one loses it, the emotional loss is as significant as the physical loss.

One notable theme throughout the book is that of our natural world, particularly the change of seasons. Loss and rebirth in nature entwines itself with Nancy's physical and spiritual being, and with that comes inspirational hope.

How others react to Nancy's hair loss shapes her internal struggle. Not only do her present interactions with others affect her, but her childhood experiences with her hair are discussed. Through comical reflections we see how the importance of hair is instilled in all of us at a very young age. Nancy's humor is an important defense against this disease. We see this humor when she talks about her wigs affectionately known as "the girls."

A disturbing statistic about alopecia areata is revealed. One study indicated that "forty eight percent of alopecians had considered suicide."By sharing such a personal struggle, Nancy shows us that through perseverance and self reflection, one can find the strength to live with the disease. The journey of shock, denial, fear, anger, and depression, is a journey worth taking.

Not only do I recommend Bald as a Bean, The Experience of Sudden Hair Loss to those suffering from alopecia or hair loss due to a treatment such as chemotherapy, but as well, to those who enjoy reading true stories about the triumph of the human spirit.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services Reviewer
... Read more

Book Description
Sudden hair loss can strike at any age and is on the increase, especially among women.This practical and sympathetic guide to the subject contains everything you need to know if you suffer from alopecia areata or thinning hair. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Mostly geared toward Areata sufferers
This book is mainly geared toward alopecia areata (AA) sufferers, not genetic (androgenic) alopecia sufferers.It contains lots of stories of sufferers, including the author's.The stories are somewhat interesting at first, but get dull rather quickly.There is some information about treatments, however, but it is not as informative as the books by Kobren or as comprehensive as the one by Greenwood-Robinson (if you're a woman).But, if you suffer from AA, then it might be appropriate to read the author's.

The author is English, and so some of her stories include the charm and wit characteristic of the British.She takes the situation somewhat lightheartedly and advises (implicitly) readers to do the same (after all, it is just hair).However, her "cure" which is basically minoxidil, will almost certainly not be a "cure" for those with genetic balding.It is well-known that AA sufferers sometimes regrow spontaneously.The author's case may be due to this and not to minoxodil.She does not mention this possibility (that I recall) in the text.Hence, I believe the title is a bit misleading.

the bold truth
had lot of good information that is beneficial to my problem. ... Read more

Book Description
Kelly looks back at her years of learning to live with alopecia areata, a disease which causes hair loss. This light-hearted story follows her from diagnosis as a small child, to coping with the social and emotional implications of her condition, to gaining the understanding and acceptance of her peers and teachers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

About what it's like to live with alopecia
The Girl With No Hair by Elizabeth Murphy-Melas is a flat-spined children's picture book about the common condition of alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease in which the body's own defenses attack the hair follicles and cause hair loss. People with alopecia are often healthy in every other respect, but children with the disease are often struck with an emotional burden in a phase of life when developing self-esteem is crucial. Bright color pictures by Alex Hernadix enhance the straightforward, understanding text which teaches young readers about what it's like to live with alopecia, and the joy of having a rewarding life with or without hair. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Offers solid information and practical advice
Alopecia is a medical condition that causes severe hair loss in men and women. The collaboration by psychologists Nigel Hunt and Sue McHale, Coping With Alopecia offers solid information and practical advice about the different types of alopecia, causes and treatments, and how to cope with the social consequences of hair loss, from getting along with peers to the strain that losing one's hair can put on relationships. Personal anecdotes along with medical and psychological wisdom create a balanced guide to living with the effects of and successful recovering from alopecia.
... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Clinical Psychiatry News, published by International Medical News Group on February 1, 2003. The length of the article is 952 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Try older remedies for alopecia areata. (Anthralin, Nitrogen Mustard).(Brief Article)
Author: Heidi Splete
Publication: Clinical Psychiatry News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2003
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 31Issue: 2Page: 52(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Skin & Allergy News, published by International Medical News Group on July 1, 2003. The length of the article is 7630 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Small study defines alopecia areata patterns in children. (Clobetasol Propionate is Effective).
Author: Doug Brunk
Publication: Skin & Allergy News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2003
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 34Issue: 7Page: 44(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
In a faraway town where every has long, beautiful hair, Pincess Allopecia, or Alo as everyone calls her, prepares for he leading role in the Rapunzel Festival.Alo has the longest, lovliest and most beautiful hair of everyone.

But one morning, Alo sees a clump of hair on her pillow.Soon she is losing more and more hair.How can she let down her hair at the Rapunzel Festival she wonders?But her teacher, along with her classmates, teach Alo a lesson in friendship and sensitivity she will long remember. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nicely enhanced throughout with supportive artwork
Winner of the Gold Triangle Awards 2000 of the American Academy of Dermatology, Princess Alopecia by Yaacov Peterseil is the story of Alopecia, a young woman with long, beautiful hair. Yet when her hair suddenly begins to fall out Alopecia feels horrible about herself, and about losing her chance to play Princess Rapunzel in the school play! Her teacher sees what is happening and calls a class meeting to make Alopecia feel better. A heartwarming story written especially for children ages 6 through 10 who find themselves having to deal with the condition of alopecia, Princess Alopecia is nicely enhanced throughout with the supportive artwork of Avi Katz. ... Read more

Book Description
This is a 3-in-1 reference book. It gives a complete medical dictionary covering hundreds of terms and expressions relating to alopecia areata. It also gives extensive lists of bibliographic citations. Finally, it provides information to users on how to update their knowledge using various Internet resources. The book is designed for physicians, medical students preparing for Board examinations, medical researchers, and patients who want to become familiar with research dedicated to alopecia areata.If your time is valuable, this book is for you. First, you will not waste time searching the Internet while missing a lot of relevant information. Second, the book also saves you time indexing and defining entries. Finally, you will not waste time and money printing hundreds of web pages.Download Description
This is a 3-in-1 reference book. It gives a complete medical dictionary covering hundreds of terms and expressions relating to alopecia areata. It also gives extensive lists of bibliographic citations. Finally, it provides information to users on how to update their knowledge using various Internet resources. The book is designed for physicians, medical students preparing for Board examinations, medical researchers, and patients who want to become familiar with research dedicated to alopecia areata. If your time is valuable, this book is for you. First, you will not waste time searching the Internet while missing a lot of relevant information. Second, the book also saves you time indexing and defining entries. Finally, you will not waste time and money printing hundreds of web pages. ... Read more

Book Description

Although hair loss affects millions, the medical literature is relatively scant on the causes and treatment of this condition. This volume is the first in-depth look at the practical management (both medical and surgical) of all forms of hair loss. Hair loss is a very common problem and often a significant source of patient distress. The authors here examine the different reasons for hair loss, from nutrition to genetics to drug reactions. A rational, organized approach to management is crucial as therapy can vary widely among the different kinds of alopecia. The text addresses all aspects of the condition and is ideal for any professional who attends to such patients.

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Family Practice News, published by International Medical News Group on June 1, 2005. The length of the article is 879 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Alopecia areata therapy has many different facets.(Skin Disorders)
Author: Linda Little
Publication: Family Practice News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2005
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 35Issue: 11Page: 32(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
The article is excerpted fromGale Encyclopedia of Medicine.

Consult the second edition of this authoritative, comprehensive, in-depth medical guide for information on more than 1,700 medical topics in language accessible to adult laypersons. Presented in a single alphabetical sequence, articles range in length from one or two paragraphs for minor topics, to several pages or more for major topics. Disease/disorder articles typically cover definition; description; causes and symptoms; diagnosis; treatments; prevention; and more. Test/treatment articles typically cover definition; purposes; precautions; preparation; risks; normal and abnormal results; and much more. This second edition includes more than 200 new entries, 300 updated entries, approximately 650 color images and illustrations, and a comprehensive subject index. New features include biographical and historical sidebars throughout the text.

Disease/disorder articles contain some or all of the following sections:

• Definitions -- brief dictionary-style definition of the disorder
• Descriptions -- overview of the disorder; who gets it and why
• Causes & symptoms -- process, substance or organism that produces the condition; any risk factors that increase susceptibility to the condition; signs and symptoms of the disease
• Diagnosis -- overview of procedures and tests used to diagnose the condition; how the test is done; who should be tested and when; time required; cost; whether it's typically covered by insurance
• Treatments -- overview of conventional methods of care or management of the condition, such as drugs, surgeries, physical therapy, etc.
• Alternative treatments -- overview of alternative/complementary therapies that may be used to treat the condition
• Prognosis -- probable outcome of the disease
• Preventions -- what actions can be taken to prevent the condition from occurring

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2007. The length of the article is 1011 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Alopecia universalis: hair growth following initiation of simvastatin and ezetimibe therapy.(CASE REPORTS)(Case study)
Author: Douglas N. Robins
Publication: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6Issue: 9Page: 946(2)

Article Type: Case study

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Dermatology Nursing, published by Thomson Gale on December 1, 2005. The length of the article is 441 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Help patients with Alopecia Areata and win a free trip.(DNA NEWS)
Author: Diana Gorgos
Publication: Dermatology Nursing (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 17Issue: 6Page: 461(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This up-to-date electronic book on CD-ROM provides the best collection available anywhere of official Federal government information and documents on the subject of hair diseases and hair loss, including alopecia and folliculitis. This CD-ROM uses next-generation search technology that allows complete indexing and makes all files on the disc fully searchable. For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material.

This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources: National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Contents include clinical and medical information, with information on signs, symptoms, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and more.

In addition, as a bonus we have included an encyclopedic collection of general medical and health documents - thousands of pages with extensive material from the CDC and NIH on hundreds of diseases and health topics from A to Z, along with FDA drug and medical publications, government consumer healthcare tips, disease prevention programs, dietary guidelines, and travelers' health information. Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've also provided our exclusive "Guide to Leading Medical Websites" with updated links to 73 of the best sites for medical information! By using weblinks on the CD-ROM, you can quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government.

This CD-ROM has over 45,000 pages reproduced using Adobe Acrobat PDF software and Reader software is included. Advanced search and indexing features are built into our reproduction, providing a complete full-text index. This enables the user to search all the files on the disk at one time for words or phrases using just one search command! The Acrobat cataloging technology adds enormous value and uncommon functionality to this impressive collection of government documents and material. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, comprehensive, and portable!

Our CD-ROMs are privately-compiled collections of official public domain U.S. government files and documents - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work, utilizing the benefits of the Acrobat format to uniformly present thousands of pages that can be rapidly reviewed or printed without untold hours of tedious searching and downloading. This book-on-a-disc makes a superb reference work and educational tool for patients and their families, physicians, and other medical professionals. (Information on this CD-ROM is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice; of course, readers are urged to consult with a professional health care provider for any suspected illness.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beware the Scam
Some very clever IT person has compiled all the Govt Health websites indexes, put them on a CD plus a programme to enable Internet access and called it an authorative Data source. Most of the websites included are not even relevant to the health topic ( in this case Hair Diseases and Hair Loss ). Even if you do find a relevant index, you will still need to search for the information you want, which may or may not be there. I imagine they use the same CD and change the name to " 21st Century Complete Medical Guide to ------- "( insert any disease ). I was also unable to access many of the files on the CD. I suggest you stick to Google searches, far cheaper and far more specific that this CD. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Dermatology Nursing, published by Thomson Gale on April 1, 2007. The length of the article is 3686 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the author: The primary cicatricial alopecias are an uncommon, complex group of disorders that result in permanent destruction of the hair follicle, usually involving scalp hair alone. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are needed to help thwart continued hair loss and the distress that often accompanies this hair loss. Nurses can facilitate the diagnostic and treatment process and, through educational and emotionally supportive measures, have a meaningful, positive impact on the patient's well being.

Citation Details
Title: Primary cicatricial alopecia: clinical features and management.
Author: Elizabeth K. Ross
Publication: Dermatology Nursing (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 19Issue: 2Page: 137(7)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Skin & Allergy News, published by International Medical News Group on February 1, 2002. The length of the article is 2063 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Start medical rherapy for alopecia early for both men and women. (Results in 3 Months in Women).
Author: Winnie Anne Imperio
Publication: Skin & Allergy News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2002
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 33Issue: 2Page: 14(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Skin & Allergy News, published by International Medical News Group on February 1, 2002. The length of the article is 605 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Is early androgenic alopecia tied to heart risk? (Murky Question).
Author: Bruce Jancin
Publication: Skin & Allergy News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2002
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 33Issue: 2Page: 46(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more