Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

An Overview:

Alopecia Areata is commonly categorized as an auto immune disease, where the immune system is designed to fight off bacteria and viruses, but in the case of Alopecia Areata the bacteria invades and attacks the hair follicles. The result is hair loss on the scalp. What basically happens is that the hair falls out in small round patches no bigger than a quarter. In some cases, the hair loss is confined to small areas on the scalp and in some rare cases causes total baldness over time.

Scientists do not know what causes Alopecia Areata but they have a theory that it is a person's gene make up that causes this. In other words, some people may be predisposed to the disease. In some cases, something may trigger the disease such as another illness. It is even believed that a person's environment can help in triggering the ailment.

What are the Treatments?

There is no cure of for Alopecia Areata and there isn't any FDA approved drug for the cure either. The treatments that we have listed below can result in hair growth but they are not guaranteed to stop your hair form falling out again. These are treatments to restore hair growth not to cure the disease.

· Corticosteroids
These are powerful steroids that are anti inflammatory drugs. This will help with the rejuvenation of the hair follicles that allow hair to grow back. There are three different ways this treatment can be given. By injection right into the hair loss patch, orally, it will take a little longer to work but if the other ways do not appeal to you. Lastly, topical ointment, just rub in and wait.

Among these three ways of administering Corticosteroids, it is a matter or preference. It you aren't crazy about the idea of getting an injection into your scalp then you have two other less scary options. But if you want something to work quickly then the injections are the way to go. The shot goes directly into the spot where you need the help.

· Minoxidil is another form of treatment used to treat Alopecia Areata. You have heard of this product on TV and in magazine ads. This is a topical treatment solution that helps restore hair growth to the depleted area on your scalp. You only need a couple of conditions to stimulate the hair follicles. The great thing about Minoxidil is that it is FDA approved for both men and women. It can be used twice a day and if you use it regularly you will see a difference in about 12 weeks. If you think you have heard this word before but can't place it, Minoxidil is another name for Rogaine.

Other Treatments Available:

·Anthralin
.Sulfasalzine
·Topical Sensitizers
·Oral Cyclosporine
·Photo Chemotherapy

Here are a few precautions you can take along the way, use sunscreen on the scalp, face and all of the exposed areas. You don't want to trigger another episode. Wear a hat to protect the scalp from the sun in the summer and the cold in the winter. Hair is more brittle in the winter.

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