Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes your hair to fall out, usually in patches. There isn’t a cure, which can make losing each precious strand feel all the more frustrating. But just because there isn’t a cure doesn’t mean you’re at the mercy of this disease. Here are some things you can do to make living with alopecia areata more manageable.
Understanding Alopecia Areata-Related Hair Loss
With alopecia areata, hair typically falls out in quarter-sized clumps, leaving you with exposed patches of skin on your scalp. You can lose hair in other places, too, like your eyelashes and eyebrows. Rarely, you may lose all your body hair.
The hair loss happens when your immune system misfires. Instead of attacking actual threats to your body, like bacteria and viruses, it takes aim at your hair follicles. The end result is damaged, inflamed follicles - and disheartening clumps of hair in your hairbrush.
The good news is that for some people, the hair grows back. But there are no guarantees. Sometimes, hair regrows but then falls out again. Other times, hair loss is permanent.
Managing Alopecia Areata
There are no cure-alls that can stop or reverse alopecia areata. But you can take steps to improve your chances of reducing the immune system flare-ups that have you noticing new bald spots. You can nourish your hair and scalp.
Take prescription medications
Your healthcare provider may recommend pills, injections or creams to calm the immune response that’s causing inflammation. Some may even encourage hair growth. Options include corticosteroids and topical immunotherapy you rub onto your scalp. Both can cause side effects, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each with your provider beforehand.
Try home remedies
Home remedies include foods that combat inflammation, like honey, onions, garlic and oatmeal. Incorporate them into your meal prep or try rubbing them onto your scalp. These foods won’t stop alopecia areata, but they’re good for your skin and hair. In addition to eating nutritious foods, you can incorporate stress-reduction techniques, like meditation, mindfulness and yoga into your routine.
Stress reduction and self-care
If you want to take stress reduction to the next level - self-care - you can get an aromatherapy scalp massage. Although more research is needed, some studies show that rubbing essential oils like thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood into your scalp may help with alopecia areata. Ask your healthcare provider about new treatments.
New Treatments and Medical Options
Combating inflammation and adopting a lifestyle that supports a healthy immune system have been the cornerstones of managing alopecia areata for years. But the treatment landscape has changed for the better. As of June 2022, there are now FDA-approved treatments available. If you have this condition, ask your provider about new treatments.
Hair loss is a common development for people of all genders. But a bald spot can still trigger feelings of embarrassment and frustration while also affecting your self-confidence. Causes of hair loss can vary widely, including stress, certain hair care practices, medical conditions that are inherited or are related to the body’s immune system, hormone levels, skin health, and cancer treatment. In many cases, treatments are available to help regrow hair on a bald spot or thicken hair growth where thinning has occurred. But it’s important to rely on proven treatment methods, and to be wary of products and treatments that make big promises with little scientific data to support them.
Sometimes, simple home remedies can produce good results, but you may need over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications to regrow hair if home treatments aren’t working for you. If these approaches aren’t effective, medical or surgical procedures may be necessary. Read on to learn more about what causes a bald spot, how to treat it yourself, and when you may need medical treatment.
Common Treatments and OTC Options
Many products commonly found at home are used for other purposes but may have relevance to hair growth.
- Rosemary oil: Rub a small amount gently on your bald spot each night or consider using a natural shampoo containing rosemary oil.
- Peppermint oil: Topically in low doses, it’s considered safe. Rub some into your scalp or use peppermint-containing shampoo.
- Aloe vera: Massage into your scalp before shampooing; mix with wheat germ oil and coconut milk. It’s safe for scalp use, though direct hair growth benefits are not confirmed.
- Massage: A vigorous scalp massage can boost circulation in the scalp and may support thicker hair growth, though evidence is not definitive.
Tips to Naturally Regrow Your Hair
There’s no shortage of OTC products promising to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it down. Here are some trustworthy OTC treatments for bald spots:
- Minoxidil: Available as liquid, foam, or shampoo. Stronger forms are prescription. May cause skin irritation or unwanted hair growth nearby. Must be used regularly to maintain effects.
- Collagen-based products: Shampoos, conditioners, ointments, or serums containing collagen; injectable collagen exists. Supplements have limited evidence for hair growth.
- Vitamin supplements: Biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, and zinc are associated with hair growth. High doses can cause complications; discuss with a doctor before starting.
Before recommending a medication or procedure, a doctor will diagnose any underlying condition. This may include medical history review, a physical exam, blood tests, a “pull test,” scalp biopsy, or light microscopy to examine hairs. Once the cause is known, common prescription medications for hair loss may be recommended.
Medications and procedures
Finasteride and minoxidil slow hair loss or promote regrowth in androgenetic alopecia, but may not reverse all loss. Corticosteroids-applied topically or injected into patches-are common for alopecia areata, reviving hair growth within weeks in some cases. Anthralin can stimulate growth in patches. Methotrexate may be prescribed in resistant cases, with careful monitoring due to potential side effects.
Hair transplant surgery is a common option for permanent loss, transplanting hair follicles from a donor site to the balding area. Two main approaches exist: FUT and FUE. Laser therapy has shown some potential to improve hair density in hereditary hair loss, though results vary. Each treatment has realistic expectations and risks, so discuss with a dermatologist or specialist.
Traction Alopecia and Other Forms
Traction alopecia is caused by repeated tension on hair follicles from hairstyles, extensions, or heavy braids. It is often preventable and reversible with changes in hairstyling and scalp care, though prolonged tension can lead to permanent damage. Early intervention is key to maximizing regrowth potential. A dermatologist can assess follicular damage and tailor a recovery plan.
Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is the most common form of hair loss, with DHT sensitivity affecting hair growth. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can slow progression, but hair transplantation remains the only permanent restoration option for thinning areas.
Living with Alopecia Areata: Psychological and Practical Support
A bald spot can be alarming and affect self-esteem. Consider working with a stylist to optimize the look of the hair you have, or explore wigs, extensions, scarves, and hats. Open communication with friends and family can provide emotional support. Early consultation with a dermatologist can help you discuss options that slow or reverse loss, and focus on hopeful, realistic outcomes.
Preparing for appointments and discussing expectations with your doctor can save time and help tailor a plan to your needs. If you’re worried about hair loss, talk to a dermatologist early, as they can guide you toward appropriate medications or procedures and help manage emotional health.
Traction Alopecia: Signs, Prevention, and Recovery
Traction alopecia is caused by external habits and practices. Early signs include hair thinning at areas under tension. Recovery is more likely if addressed promptly with hairstyle changes and scalp care. Protective hairstyles, gentle cleansing, and a nutrient-rich diet supporting biotin, zinc, and iron can help. In advanced cases, restoration procedures may be necessary, including hair transplants or scalp micro-pigmentation. Continuous follow-up with a dermatologist is essential to prevent recurrence.
Early recognition of symptoms and timely intervention are key to promoting regrowth and protecting hair follicles from further damage. If you’re concerned about traction alopecia, seek professional evaluation to determine the best course of action. A tailored plan combining at-home care with professional interventions provides the best chances for regrowth and scalp health.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, medical history review, and possibly laboratory tests, scalp biopsy, or hair analysis. Once diagnosed, treatment plans may include topical or systemic therapies, lifestyle changes, and targeted procedures, depending on the type and severity of hair loss.
Conclusion
There is no universal cure for alopecia areata, but many people experience hair regrowth with a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and self-care. Finding the right approach can take time and patience, but new therapies continue to bring renewed hope for people with alopecia areata.
Understanding Alopecia Areata – GetSkinHelp Patient Education
