On stage, Oscars 2022 host Chris Rock was slapped by actor Will Smith for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s baldness. Jada, on the other hand, has been suffering from Alopecia Areata since last year. In 2021, the Matrix Reloaded actress confirmed that she has Alopecia Areata by posting a video of her hairless self on Instagram.
The 50-year-old captioned the video, “Mama’s gonna have to take it down to the scalp so nobody thinks she got brain surgery or something. Me and this alopecia are going to be friends… period!”
What exactly is Alopecia?
Alopecia Areata is a common autoimmune disorder that causes unexplained hair loss. It is recognized as a frequent condition among many. Those with the problem may notice that their hair comes out in small patches, or that their hair falls out in large sections in some circumstances. According to experts, some people may experience complete hair loss on their scalp. Some others may experience hair loss all over their bodies.
Alopecia Areata can strike people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds; however, it is most common in people under the age of 30. Alopecia affects one out of every five people. One out of every five persons has a family member who also has the condition. The condition also progresses quickly in an individual. It only takes a few days until the person notices sudden hair loss in areas. Although there were discussions concerning that stress causes Alopecia Areata, there is absolutely no scientific evidence to back this up. People who have only a few patches of hair loss may see the quick hair growth and entirely recover from the ailment in rare situations.
What is the treatment for Alopecia Areata?
There is currently no cure for Alopecia Areata in terms of treatment. Doctors do, however, recommend a few other hair regrowth options. Multiple studies say the most generally recommended treatment for the illness is the use of corticosteroids. It is an anti-inflammatory medicine that is known to suppress the immune system of those who are affected. Although doctors prescribe drugs to help with hair regrowth, the person will continue to have random patches of hair loss.
Mental Health and Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is not a contagious disorder, and it does not make individuals sick. However, it is mental health that has a larger impact than physical health. Alopecia Areata patients must understand that they will experience rapid hair loss and may even go bald.
Following the altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars 2022, Twitterati and other social media users have come out in favor of Will and other people with the condition.
Former basketball player Charlie Villanueva also resorted to Twitter to express his thoughts on the situation and the difficulties that people face.