Hair Loss Condition

An inherited hair loss genetic disease that causes the afflicted to not be able to grow hair, either completely or in particular spots. Hairless areas may get tougher skin similar to scarred tissue due to exposure to sun and climate.

Transmission & Vectors

It is a genetically inherited disease.

Causes

The condition would appear to be caused by a genetic mutation, perhaps in itself caused by a overwhelmed or supressed immune system. The actual cause for the condition is not fully understood and therefore superstitious beliefs associated with it are rampant.

Symptoms

Complete or partial baldness. Rough skin patches, prone to dry skin as a long term affect if not properly fed.
May cause other skin conditions as a result, e.g. because of exposure to the sun in warm climates.

Treatment

Homemade ointments or creams with known soothing ingredients may help alleviate the symptoms of the disease such as rough, miscolored, dry, or itchy skin.
Other treatments to heal the condition are often tried and shows no particular result, such as prayers, rituals, diets, sulphur and mercury medicine, magical rituals, clean spring water from blessed pools in tempels, baths in milk, etc.

Prognosis

Chronic, but not fatal. The condition cannot be healed, but symptoms can be alleviated with ointments, covering clothes, and a stable varied diet.

Affected Groups

It would appear to be equally affecting both men and women, rich and poor, heathens and faithful, but it never shows up in older individuals. The condition is always revealed at birth.

Hosts & Carriers

Most of the furred creatures of Kaestra can be affected by this disease, sentient or not.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent the disease, as it is inherited through genetics.

History

It's theorized to have come from "cursed" individuals. (Story?)

Cultural Reception

Individuals afflicted by this condition are often seen as misformed and ugly by their peers. Some might even be seen as cursed by a deity, or particularly unlucky individuals who will bring no good. Some might be ostracised from the community or killed out of fear to attract bad luck to their homes. Having the condition carries a lot of stigma and often makes it hard for the person afflicted by this to make a living for themselves among superstitious people. And in a time when people don't quite understand about bacteria, natural disasters, and other misfortunes that happen to them, it can be hard not to be at least a bit supersitious.

Type

Genetic

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Congenital

Rarity

Rare