HR0329 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0329 LRB103 32680 MST 62389 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The month of September each year is recognized as National Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month to increase knowledge and awareness of scarring alopecia; and

WHEREAS, Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia (hair loss) is still not well-known among patients and the public; many patients and the public do not know the difference between non-scarring alopecia and scarring alopecia; scarring alopecia encompasses a group of hair loss disorders that causes inflammation, and the hair follicles are irreversibly destroyed (permanently damaged) and replaced by fibrous tissue; there is no way to regrow the hair that is already lost and permanently damaged; and

WHEREAS, Within the alopecia population, the prevalence of scarring alopecia is believed to be approximately 7%, but not enough epidemiological studies have been performed to determine the incidence of scarring (cicatricial) alopecias; clinically, it is defined as one or more patches of permanent alopecia on the scalp; these may remain discrete or coalesce to produce a near total alopecia; within the patches, the skin is bald, smooth, and shiny, and pores are absent because of a complete loss of follicular openings; and

WHEREAS, Scarring hair loss is a traumatizing experience and may negatively impact a hair loss patient's quality of life (QOL); permanent hair loss can be disfiguring and damage an affected individual's self-esteem; currently, there are not any approved Federal Drug Administration (FDA) drugs for scarring (cicatricial) alopecia patients, which often leaves patients feeling defeated and hopeless; and

WHEREAS, Bringing awareness to this disease can help those experiencing scarring hair loss remain confident and positive, despite their condition; hair loss often carries a stigma that can only be dispelled with education and knowledge, and for many with this disease, the emotional aspect of living with hair loss can be the greatest challenge; and

WHEREAS, National Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month serves as a time to focus on educating hair stylists, medical professionals, undiagnosed patients, and the general population about this traumatic, scarring, and often painful disease; and

WHEREAS, National Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month serves as a spark to increase advocacy efforts for scarring alopecia patients and to underscore the importance of understanding this rare disease; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the month of September 2023 as being National Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Scarring Alopecia Foundation as a symbol of our respect and esteem.