Treatment Options for
Alopecia Areata

What Is Alopecia Areata? 

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp, as well as other areas of the body. This condition often involves hair loss in patches, but it can also cause total loss of hair on the scalp and body. Alopecia areata most often affects children and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can also impact people who experience certain medical conditions or have a family history of them. This includes autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and thyroid disease.  

Along with hair loss, alopecia areata can cause symptoms like: 

• The formation of pits or dents in finger and toenails 
• Discoloration of bald patches 
• Itchiness 
• The growth of white hairs 

A physical exam is usually suitable for diagnosing alopecia areata. However, your physician may also inquire about your overall health and family history.  

How Is It Treated? 

There is no cure for alopecia areata, but certain treatments can help control the loss of hair. Treatment is most effective on diffuse and ophiasis forms of the condition, which involves less substantial hair loss when compared to alopecia areata totalis and universalis. Treatment may include: 

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Doctors can inject corticosteroids into the scalp to reduce inflammation resulting from the body’s immune response. Medications can also be provided orally or topically.  

• Topical Drugs – Certain medications, such as minoxidil, can help regrow hair. These medications are applied to bald areas topically.  

• Light Therapy – Light therapy entails the application of ultraviolet light to encourage hair to grow.  

• Plasma Injections – Doctors can draw blood, extract plasma, and inject it into the scalp to stimulate the growth of hair.  

• Immunotherapy – This treatment entails applying an allergen topically to skin, which can facilitate new hair growth.  

For people with alopecia areata who do not respond to these treatments, wigs and special hair styling methods can restore self-esteem and help maintain a healthy self-image.