Alopecia Areata Treatments

Alopecia Areata is hair loss disorder that affects 2% of the world population and it is highly unpredictable and inconsistent. Many researchers tried to find the causes of alopecia, the way to diagnose it and proper treatments for it, so there are many treatments available. They have changed significantly during the last decade. Alopecia areata can cause causes hair loss from all areas of the body in form of patches which is why it’s called spot baldness . Hair loss occurs mostly on the scalp.

Even though many treatments are available for treating alopecia , it is up to doctor to decide which one will show the best results. Taking into consideration unique causes and reactions of every person is important when determining the proper treatment.

Diphencyprone (DPCP): This medicine is applied to the bald skin. It causes a small allergic reaction. When the reaction occurs, a patient has redness, swelling, and itching. Dermatologists believe this allergic reaction tricks the immune system, causing it to send white blood cells to the surface of the scalp. This fights the inflammation. It also prevents the hair follicles from going to sleep, and causing the hair loss. With DPCP, it can take 3 months for the hair to start re-growing.

Retin A – Tretinoin: It is used in the treatment of both Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia. Usually Retin-A in a gel form is rubbed on the area of hair loss. The gel works best when used in combination with topical Minoxidil. It is suggested that Minoxidil be applied in the morning and Retin-A in the evening due to the fact that Retin-A increase the skins sensitivity to sunlight.

Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases. Corticosteroids can be given as an injection into the scalp or other areas, orally (as a pill), or applied topically (rubbed into the skin) as an ointment, cream, or foam. Response to therapy may be gradual. This medicine suppresses the immune system.

Minoxidil: A hair re-growth medicine, minoxidil 5%, may help some patients re-grow their hair. Both children and adults can use it. Patients apply it twice a day to the scalp, brows, or beard. New hair may start to grow in about 3 months. Patients most often use this medicine with another treatment.

PUVA - psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation consists of a topical or oral application of psoralen, followed by ultraviolet radiation. This method is better tolerated than topical immunotherapy but is also less effective.

Anthralin: This medicine alters the skin’s immune function. The patient applies a tar-like substance to the skin and leaves it on for 20 to 60 minutes. A dermatologist may call this short-contact therapy. After 20 to 60 minutes, the anthralin is washed off to avoid the skin from becoming irritated.

Natural hair loss treatments : Those are products made mostly of herbs, so they don’t have side-effects and are safe to use. They don’t have added chemicals, so they stimulate hair growth in a natural way.