SEBOKENG Hospital in the Vaal, Gauteng, held an alopecia and eczema awareness day last Friday, 14 October.
The aim was to educate nurses, patients and the public about common hair and skin conditions.
Dr Monde Hute, a dermatologist who runs a skin and hair disorder clinic, said the goal was to alleviate confusion around these misunderstood chronic hair and skin conditions to eliminate certain stigmas.
“Alopecia is hair loss with different sub-classes and damages follicles. Alopecia areata, influenced by hair practices like weaves and braids, can affect hair on your scalp, eyebrows or anywhere on your body. The hair may come out in small or large patches.”
Hute said anyone could develop alopecia, but it often started in childhood.
She shared that eczema was a chronic genetic condition that started at a young age.
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“It is not contagious and can be controlled on medication if it started early. One common misperception is that it affects each person in the same way as patches of itchy, dry, inflamed skin. But, the symptoms vary widely,” said Hute.
“The appearance of eczema can also vary depending on skin tone and ethnic or racial background. Redness is common in people with lighter skin, but in patients with richly pigmented skin, it can be harder to appreciate the redness and this is a dangerous aspect.”
Hute said the hospital had more than 60% patients affected by at least one sub-type of eczema and 40% by alopecia.
