Alopecia Areata Treatment

Alopecia areata left untreated

Alopecia areata left untreated is without doubt the best alternative for alopecia areata in small patches of moderate size, they often heal without treatment after several months of evolution. Treatment is not useful when the patient is not hampered by his affection. We must also abandon the treatment when the hair follicles have disappeared and no longer grow.

Alopecia areata local treatment

Local Corticoids - This treatment lasts several weeks and can be coupled to minoxidil. It can cause a thinning of the skin and small buttons that look like acne.
Intralesional corticosteroid injections - It is indicated for the adult alopecia areata if the surface is not too large. The dermatologist performs superficial injections in the affected areas. Injections are repeated every month for approximately 3 to 6 months. It may be against use in case of hypertension, diabetes or infection. It may cause temporary thinning of the skin and development of small vessels.
Minoxidil - It is a useful complement to regrow hair. It is often prescribed with local corticosteroids and anthralin.
Anthralin - The anthralin is an effective product whose use is not very easy because it is irritating and affects skin color. It is used in increasing concentrations for short durations (10 to 30 minutes). It is a treatment often offered to children when other therapies are inappropriate. This treatment should not be involved in the UVA therapy.
Immunotherapy contact diphencyprone (DCP) - It is a benchmark treatment whose effectiveness is proven by several studies of quality, it is reserved for severe alopecia areata. The diphencyprone (DCP) is a chemical drug which has no allergenic status. This treatment is only available in some centers, it requires an application weekly or biweekly for several months. This treatment requires a detailed patient information because it has side effects (eczema) and complications (depigmentation of the skin) that have not been evaluated by studies on a large scale.

Alopecia areata general treatment

Corticoids by general treatment - Cortisone by general treatment is used during the course of severe outbreaks of the disease because it often allows to stop the hair fall until other treatments take over. The requirement of large doses in short courses gives good results in targeted indications.
UVA therapy - The effectiveness of ultraviolet rays coupled with a photo sensitizer is an ancient treatment that may give good results. This treatment often requires several sessions (30 to 50) before hair regrowth occurs. Exposure of the whole body is necessary. The UVA therapy involves risk of skin cancer. The use of excimer laser is promising.
Immunosuppressants
Methotrexate - A recent study shows very good results of this therapy which has long been used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is a powerful treatment that is recommended in severe alopecia areata. Methotrexate endorsed by cortisone systemically in low doses is recommended.
Cyclosporine A - This treatment has a strong suspension and side effects.

Alopecia areata treatment pictures

... more alopecia areata pictures here: Alopecia areata pictures

Alopecia areata alternative treatments

If the treatments are still poorly known the real efficiency due to a large variability between studies and often a lack of double-blind studies, we do know even less about the effectiveness of alternative treatments as well as their side effects. There may also be interactions with conventional treatment and must therefore inform the doctor of any other treatment. It should also be wary of "miracles" products sales by people who want to take advantage of the confusion of patients.

Some vitamins such as vitamin H (biotin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) are known for their stimulating effect on the growth of hair. At moderate losses (eg during pregnancy) an additional vitamins may contribute to remission. This vitamin can be given in combination with sulfur amino acids. Zinc seems to stimulate the immune system by activating T lymphocytes. Aloe Vera is a plant extract that appears to have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in the treatment of Alopecia areata and Chinese Herbs (trichogen) are sometimes used.

Another treatment with a mixture of essential oils is aromatherapy. Acupuncture is used often in combination with creams. Homeopathic treatments exist against hair loss seem to work. Antidepressants may have a beneficial effect although their effectiveness remains controversial. Hypnosis has also been recommended as a complementary method.