Louis Theroux has been showered with support by fans after opening up on a medical condition that may leave him bald. Taking to Instagram, the popular documentary maker and podcast host revealed he has alopecia, a media condition that has caused his hair to fall out.
Earlier this year, Theroux shared that he has a specific type of alopecia, which causes his beard hair to no longer grow. Although it started in patches, the condition appears to have progressed to cover his entire beard barring two specific areas, as he told fans in a new Instagram post.
The broadcaster explained: "Nature has played a cruel trick on me. Thanks to my alopecia barbae ("of the beard") I can now only grow a weird little Hitler moustache."
Alongside a selfie, Theroux added: "This what I look like after three days not shaving. I have given up on my beard ever growing back to its luxuriant former glory but is too much to ask for it to ALL fall out instead of having a tiny remnant in a potentially offensive configuration?"
Theroux then went on to share that a bald patch of hair has now appeared at the back of his head. He continued: "Making me wonder if my proper hair-hair might be next to go. In two years or less I may be bald!"
Many fans rushed to comment on the 53-year-old's post, sending messages of love and support. B.a.s.e.fitness replied: "You will always be a treat for the eyes. Please don't hide away behind a podcast, you are far too talented and loved. Hair, no hair, you are defined by your genius not your appearance."
Iamgailporter said: "You’ve always got me to chat to! Huge love xxx." Hotpatooties typed: "Love you hairy or not hairy." Rachelleskovac penned: "Hair or no hair - you’re awesome - your shows are awesome."
What is alopecia barbae?
Alopecia barbae is form of alopecia areata which targets facial hair. Alopecia is autoimmune condition where your hair follicles are attacked by your own body which causes patchy hair loss and in some cases, total baldness.
While researchers still do not fully understand what causes the immune system attack on hair follicles, they believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Alopecia barbae impacts around two in every 100 people and it is thought up to 25 per cent of sufferers have a genetic predisposition to this condition.
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Amy Johnson, operations manager at Alopecia UK, explained that: "Regrowth can often occur without any treatment at all, but it is impossible to predict whether this will happen or not."
However, in cases when the hair loss is more widespread, causing large patches of baldness which spreads to the person's head hair, then hair loss may be permanent. Ms Johnson added: "For those affected, it can impact their sense of identity and can be especially hard for those who have worn a beard or moustache for many years."
