Alopecia Areata Treatments: Navigating the World of Hair Loss
Scalp hair is essential to our identity, personality, and self-esteem.
Hence, it is no surprise that hair loss can lead to psychological distress.
Alopecia Areata (AA) is a type of hair loss.
A study by a professor of Dermatology, Evandro A. Rivitti, says that AA affects 2% of the world’s population.
But there are promising new treatments being developed to control hair shredding due to Alopecia Areata.
Recently FDA approved the first oral medication for Alopecia Areata.
Additionally, there are several other treatments available that show significant improvement in hair growth.
Keep reading to learn more about these treatments.
Alopecia Areata treatment
Alopecia Areata is an Autoimmune condition that damages hair follicles.
Hair loss due to Alopecia Areata usually affects the scalp. But it can also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, and the beard.
Local treatments are usually first-line treatments for people with limited hair loss.
Currently, there is no cure for Alopecia.
However, given the medical condition’s severity, several off-label treatments exist to control Alopecia.
“Treatments are dependent upon several factors: severity, age of the patient, and other associated conditions. The treatment plan is an extensive conversation and is best determined with the dermatologist who is treating the patient.”
By Brooke Jackson, MD
The most common treatment is Corticosteroid. It is administered as either an injection or applied topically.
Additionally, for second-line treatment, the following options are available:
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Immunotherapies
- Hair growth stimulants
Rigorous research is going on to find the proper treatment for hair loss.
In these scientific studies, researchers have found some effective treatments for hair loss.
- Prostaglandin analog solutions
- Platelet-Rich Plasma
- Topical Retinoids
- Cryotherapy
- Light-based therapy
You can consider systemic therapies if you are experiencing extensive or rapid progression of AA.
If you are observing peak response from the administration of treatment. Your dermatologist may reduce your frequency of treatment regimen.
Contact Immunotherapy usually helps with subsequent relapse, but this can not be guaranteed.
Corticosteroids
Alopecia Areata is harmless and does not affect our physical health.
Even so, it can affect a person in emotional and psychological ways. Thus, most practitioners suggest Corticosteroids manage Alopecia Areata in the beginning stages.
Intralesional corticosteroid
Corticosteroid, when injected intralesionally, promotes hair growth at the injected area.
A study by Kubeyinje EP shows that 62% of patients achieved full hair regrowth with Triamcinolone Acetonide injections. The response was better in patients with fewer than five patches of hair loss.
The method is effective for treating limited hair loss and for growing eyebrows.
Intralesional corticosteroids, when taken with Topical steroids, show better benefits for hair loss.
But avoid taking repeated injections at the same site or using higher concentrations. It may cause prolonged skin atrophy.
Systemic Corticosteroid
Systemic corticosteroid is a long-term treatment that is given to improve the regrowth of hair.
It is given orally or using intramuscular injections.
Systemic steroids work by regulating inflammation and Immune system response.
There are some potentially severe side effects of Systemic Corticosteroids. Thus it is better to see their potency and speak with a dermatologist before taking it.
Topicals
Besides topical corticosteroids, there are certain topical treatments with some success.
Topical ointments, shampoos, and solutions like Minoxidil are administered as topical treatments for AA.
Topical treatments normally do not show significant side effects.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants control the immune system’s faulty response to hair follicles.
Here are some Immunosuppressants that are highly effective:
- Tacrolimus
- Methotrexate
- Xeljanz (Tofacitinib Citrate)
- Ciclosporin
Xeljanz acts as an effective immunosuppressant and has shown a positive response in hair regrowth.
It is not FDA-approved but is used off-label to treat Alopecia Areata.
People with serious infections due to Tuberculosis, bacteria, or virus should not use Xeljanz as it reduces the activity of immune cells. It may make it harder for your immune system to fight the infection.
A detailed report by FDA shows that Methotrexate and Tacrolimus are highly effective immunosuppressants to treat Alopecia Areata.
Speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Because Methotrexate may harm an unborn baby.
Supported by animal studies, Ciclosporin acts as an Immunosuppressive drug and a Hypertrichotic agent, making it a reasonable choice in treating Alopecia Areata.
Sometimes patients experience side effects due to Immunosuppressive medicines.
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects and if they persist.
- Severe itching
- Blistering
- Fatigue or weakness
- Stomach pain
- Feeling sick
- Drowsiness
Minoxidil
How exactly Minoxidil works in Alopecia Areata is unknown. But it is an effective way to regrow hair due to its Immunomodulatory effects.
You can also use Minoxidil to grow beard hair.
You can take 2% and 5% Topical Minoxidil with Corticosteroids for better results.
Wigs and makeup
Patients suffering from extensive AA can opt for the following:
- Wigs or hairpieces
- Fake eyebrows
- Eyelashes
- Hats or other concealment devices
It is the most effective option for people with severe hair loss.
Natural Remedies for Alopecia Areata
Along with the above-mentioned treatment options, there are some popular natural remedies for Alopecia Areata.
These medicines are used both internally and externally to prevent premature hair fall.
Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus is commonly known as Rosemary.
Its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiandrogenic properties promote hair growth.
Rosemary is believed to act by increasing the circulation of the scalp.
Green tea
Green tea is preferred in several dermatological diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
In a study, one of the major components, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC), was proven to cause significant hair follicle elongation.
Also, Adeleh Esfandiari reported that Polyphenol extract from dehydrated green tea showed considerable hair regrowth within six months.
Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is taken daily to regrow hair.
According to a study, pumpkin seed oil works by blocking Testosterone from turning into DHT. Here, DHT is Dihydrotestosterone which is responsible for hair loss.
Vitamins for Alopecia Areata
Hair loss is a common condition that may improve with Vitamins. They can contribute to hair health.
Vitamin D helps regulate hair growth and shedding.
Self-care
Hair loss is not the only thing people with Alopecia lack.
Almost 70% of people with Alopecia Areata suffer from depression and anxiety.
For some people, this can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
To help get through this, there are several medications you can take:
- Antidepressants
- Adrenaline
- Cryotherapy
- Triamcinolone acetone
Apart from medications, people with AA can get emotional support or therapy as part of their treatment.
Takeaway
Alopecia Areata is a benign condition that affects scalp hair.
People, especially children, can experience physical and emotional symptoms due to AA.
Each study conducted to date has its limitations. Thus speak with your dermatologist before starting any treatment to learn more about it.
You can join a support group for Alopecia Areata patients, get therapy, or explore other options to help improve your quality of life.
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