Hair loss affects people all over the world, and while most people see it as a natural part of aging, there are actually medical reasons behind excessive hair loss. And although there are many medical conditions that can result in hair loss, one of the most common afflictions is called alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata is a condition in which clumps of hair start to fall out, resulting in round hairless patches. In some cases, hair might also start thinning or breaking off without noticeable baldness. This type of hair loss is also called autoimmune alopecia as it is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. [1]
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Medical Treatments for Alopecia Areata
While there are certain drugs that can be used to stimulate hair growth, the efficacy of such drugs will depend on many things, including the underlying cause of hair loss. Let us look at some of them in detail below:
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid is the most commonly used drug for alopecia induced hair loss treatment. It can be taken in various forms, i.e., injections, tablets, solutions, lotions, ointments, etc. There are mainly three types of corticosteroids, they are intralesional corticosteroids, topical corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids. Among the three, oral corticosteroids have the highest number of side effects and are therefore only rarely prescribed by the doctors. [21]
Anthralin
Anthralin is famously used for the treatment of psoriasis, but it is also recommended by dermatologists for the treatment of alopecia areata. If it works, the result can be seen within 8 to 12 weeks of its application. The side-effect of using anthralin are skin rashes and browning of the area where it is applied.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes unpredictable hair loss. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair growth by directly having an effect on the hair follicles. It is often used in combination with corticosteroid treatments as this treatment has a more powerful impact on hair growth. Minoxidil has very few side effects and is therefore available without a prescription. Results from its regular application can only be expected after 5 to 6 months. [22]
Topical Immunotherapy
This is considered as one of the most effective treatments for alopecia areata. It involves the application of chemicals like diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE). If the treatment works, the scalp hair starts growing towards the end of 5 to 6 months. The only condition with topical immunotherapy is that its application needs to be continued for consistent growth. [23] [24]
Other
Other medical treatments for alopecia areata include the use of immunomodulators like JAK, Xeljanz, Jakafi, etc.
For longer or more serious bouts of alopecia and hair loss, the most common treatment is steroids, which stimulate the follicles that are either obstructed or non-functional.
Home Remedies for Alopecia Areata
Different parts of the world use different home remedies, depending on the availability of materials and the traditional remedies already established there. Before using either home remedies or prescribed medicines, you should know for sure that you are suffering from this condition.
The home remedies for alopecia areata include the following. [25]
Lavender
Studies have shown that lavender, when rubbed into the scalp at the point of initial baldness, can slow or even reverse the effects of alopecia areata. This essential oil, since it is so powerful, should be diluted in a base oil before being applied, such as almond or coconut oil. Other essential oils, including peppermint, sage, and rosemary oils can also be used to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, thereby causing hair follicles to begin growing hair again. [26]
Vitamin C-rich Diet
One of the healthiest ways to reduce the effects of alopecia areata is to eat as much vitamin C as possible, which is found in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. [27]
Kelp
Kelp is a sea vegetable that contains vitamin C, pantothenic acid, zinc, and copper. These nutrients can help stimulate the growth and protection of hair, which can slow or reverse the condition.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are famous all around the world, and while the availability of certain herbs might be difficult, depending on where you live, the use of ginkgo and milk thistle are always good for hair loss and alopecia areata. Ginkgo helps to stimulate circulation and the growth of new hair, while milk thistle helps to detoxify your body and has been linked to protecting the health of your scalp and body hair. [28]
Onions
There are a variety of home remedies involving onions, including onion juice, which can be applied directly to the scalp. The high sulfur content helps to stimulate circulation and new growth, while the antiseptic quality of onions kills scalp-borne infections or microbes that might contribute to the hair loss conditions. Furthermore, onion skins are often rubbed on the scalp area that is losing hair.
High-silicon Vegetables
Vegetables such as potatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are commonly used to reduce hair loss, primarily due to the high silicon content found in their skins. Silicon is known to strengthen both hair and nails, making your body less susceptible to alopecia areata and related conditions that cause hair loss. Massage the bald patches with the outer skin of these vegetables multiple times a day for best results. [29]
Coconut Milk
By applying coconut milk mixed with a gram of flour to the scalp, you can guarantee a quick recovery of your lost hair. This paste quickly stimulates the hair follicles and boosts the overall health of your scalp. [30]
Aloe Vera
This plant is highly stimulating in nature and dramatically increases circulation of the blood to any area of the body but is particularly effective in terms of promoting scalp development and recovery. You can apply aloe vera gel liberally to your scalp, as it has very few side effects, but many health benefits if absorbed by the skin. [31]
Green Tea
Dipping a cloth into green tea and wiping or dabbing the bare patches of your scalp can be very effective as a remedy for alopecia areata. The catechins, saponins, and general antioxidants present in green tea can stimulate the regeneration of healthy cells on the scalp and eliminate any free radicals beneath the surface of the skin that may be causing the hair loss. Although the science on this type of treatment is still in the early research phases, traditional medicine swears by this remedy. [32]
Chinese Hibiscus
Mix the petals of the hibiscus flower with some dandelion oil and apply it to the scalp. This flower has been associated with maintaining the health of the hair when it has not fallen out, such as eliminating split ends and improving volume and luster, but it also stimulates the rejuvenation of hair follicles in the case of alopecia. [33]
Licorice Root
Licorice root has long been considered a mollifying agent and a relaxing substance. It relaxes and opens the pores, thereby allowing nutrients into the scalp, and it also soothes the scalp and eliminates irritations that may cause flaking or dry, dead hair. It is ideal for eliminating dandruff, hair loss, and split ends, as well as reversing the effects of this condition.
Fenugreek
Studies have shown that fenugreek has certain hormone stimulating components that actually help to rebuild hair follicles that have been destroyed or damaged by the condition of alopecia. The proteins and organic compounds found in fenugreek seeds also help to regrow hair and improve the defensive capacity of your scalp against conditions like alopecia areata. [34]
Whatever may be your preferred method of treatment, it is important to recognize whether you have the actual condition or if you are merely suffering from the natural progression of age. Seeing a doctor is a good way to know for sure, but from there, the choice of treatment is up to you. Fortunately, if the doctor says that you do not have alopecia areata, these home remedies can also help with normal hair loss too!
