As an autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata leads to hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. This hair loss results from the immune system mistakenly attacking hair follicles as though they were foreign invaders. In most cases, alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss. However, the condition can also cause some people to lose all their hair on their scalps and the rest of their body.
Treatments for alopecia areata include light therapy, immunotherapy, and plasma injections in the scalp. The following medications are also beneficial for controlling hair loss and fostering the regrowth of hair.
Minoxidil is a medication used to treat baldness in both men and women. It can also be effective for regrowing hair in people with alopecia areata. It is not entirely clear why minoxidil is an effective treatment for hair loss, but it is believed that the medication widens hair follicles, lengthens their growth phase, and increases blood circulation in the scalp.
Most people see results after using minoxidil for a period of about 12 weeks. The medication can cause minor side effects, including irritation of the skin on the scalp and headaches. Minoxidil is often available over the counter, but you can also ask your doctor about the medication.
Because alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, corticosteroids are often effective at improving hair growth. These medications can be taken orally in pill form, applied as a topical ointment, or they can be injected directly into the scalp. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the hair follicles.
Many corticosteroids are only available with a prescription, so you will need to visit your doctor to learn more. These medications also carry a risk of side effects, including blurry vision, mood swings, and weight gain.
The course of alopecia areata can vary greatly from person to person. Additionally, the type of alopecia areata one experiences can be a factor in their prognosis. People with alopecia areata totalis (which causes all hair on the scalp to fall out) and alopecia areata universalis (which causes complete hair loss on the scalp and body) are less likely to experience regrowth after treatment. However, it is possible for hair to regrow with this condition when the right treatment is sought.