Alopecia Areata is a condition that causes hair loss, often in small, round patches, and can affect both men and women of all ages. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to hair loss. While the exact cause is still not fully understood, genetics and autoimmune factors are believed to play a significant role. For many, the experience can be emotionally challenging due to the unexpected and visible nature of the condition. However, the good news is that, in many cases, the hair may regrow over time, and various treatment options are available to manage the condition and support hair regrowth. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments of Alopecia Areata can help individuals navigate their journey with confidence.

Traction alopecia is hair loss as a result of repetitive heat damage and pulling on the hair, and hair falls out. If a particular area is traumatised over a prolonged period, this may cause permanent destruction of the hair follicles and make it impossible for hair to grow back.

Paronychia is the fancy word for an infection in the skin around your nail. It can occur in your fingernails or your toenails and It usually affects just one nail at a time. The result is red, swollen, and painful skin around your nail. The infection is usually caused by bacteria that get into the skin. Less commonly it can be caused by a fungus such as candida (known as a yeast infection or by the virus herpes simplex (the virus that causes cold sores. When the infection is caused by bacteria it can cause pus to collect and you may see a yellow fluid collection or yellow crusting in and around the area. You’re more at risk of developing paronychia if you bite your nails, you have injured the skin around the nail, you have underlying skin or nail conditions, or if you do a job or spend alot of your day where you hands are damp for a long amount of time (such as a cleaner or pot washer.) This is because it can damage or cause breaks in the skin making it easier for bacteria to get in. Wearing false nails can also put you at a higher risk of paronychia occurring.

Onycholysis is a medical term that means a loose nail that falls off or comes away from the underlying structures. The nail separates from the skin underneath it, which is known as the nail bed. It can either partially come off or fully come away at which point the nail will fall off.  The part of the nail that has come away from the bed will look white and opaque. It can be quite disconcerting; however, it is common and isn’t usually a sign of anything serious. In most cases, the nail will likely grow back although be prepared as this is a slow process!

If your nails turn up at the sides, in the shape of a spoon, this is known as koilonychia. It may be something that runs in your family, but it can also point to a medical condition. Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common of these, so it’s worth getting a blood test to check, or topping up your iron levels with supplements to see if this improves your nail condition. Other more unusual medical conditions can occasionally cause koilonychia, so if you have any other symptoms or concerns, you can discuss this with your doctor.

Dandruff is caused by dead skin cells falling off your scalp which can be seen as white-grey flakes on your scalp, in your hair and sometimes on your clothes. It can also cause symptoms of an itchy scalp. It is very common and not linked to hair cleanliness although more flakes may build up with the less you wash your hair. Dandruff is a type of seborrhoeic dermatitis that also causes a red, greasy, flakey rash over the nose and cheeks. In the majority of cases, dandruff can be treated at home. Extreme weather conditions, such as when hot, cold or dry may cause dandruff, and stress can worsen the condition in some people. Dandruff is not contagious.