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Meet
the twin sisters who are identical in almost every way – except for one.
What
came between them? The answer is Alopecia.
Alopecia universalis or alopecia areata universalis is a medical
condition involving rapid loss of all hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
It is the most severe form of alopecia areata, with an incidence of .0005% (1
in 200,000). (source)
People have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs on their head. The number
of strands normally lost in a day varies, but on average is 100. (source)
(image: source)
For Gwennan Thomas life had different plans. She was diagnosed with alopecia universalis in 2002. Her identical twin sister Elin Thomas remained completely unaffected, even though the sisters share exactly the same genes. It was a dreadful nightmare for her having a sister who was the mirror image, but with hair. This nearly cost them their relationship.
For Gwennan Thomas life had different plans. She was diagnosed with alopecia universalis in 2002. Her identical twin sister Elin Thomas remained completely unaffected, even though the sisters share exactly the same genes. It was a dreadful nightmare for her having a sister who was the mirror image, but with hair. This nearly cost them their relationship.
(image: source)
Often
people mistaken her condition for cancer and ask her about how her cancer
treatment was going. They believe that her bald head is because of
chemotherapy. /* Harsh reality! People should have some awareness and
perspective indeed.*/
In
identical twins with alopecia, about 50 per cent both have the condition.
Experts believe that half of the contributing causes of alopecia are
non-genetic and may be environmental. (source)
She
was heartbroken, but when she came to terms with alopecia she decided to raise
awareness of her condition so people become more understanding. In her endeavor
to create awareness and help others she now runs a support group for charity
Alopecia UK in Cardiff. http://www.alopeciaonline.org.uk/cardiff-support-group.asp
Alopecia sufferers include famous TV presenter Gail Porter, actor Matt Lucas and Olympic gold medalist Joanna Rowsell.
(image L to R: Gail Porter, Matt Lucas, Joanna Rowsell)
Here’s
a courageous flash mob dance video, which featured 40 brave alopecia sufferers
who removed their wigs together - many for the first time - in a busy shopping
street in Liverpool.
(source)
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