Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that leads to hair loss abruptly in patches. Thus, patients are eager to know the treatment options for Alopecia Areata so that they can not only regain their hair but also their self-esteem.
The condition may cure itself gradually however, medical treatments usually allow faster and more consistent results.
Understanding The Condition
Before moving with the best hair treatment options for Alopecia Areata, it is necessary to recognize its types. Hair loss can manifest in the form of several tiny bald patches or it may bald patches, or it may escalate into severities like Alopecia Totalis (complete scalp hair loss) or Alopecia Universalis (loss of all body hair). The selection of treatment is mainly dependent upon the stage and the development of the disease.
Here are some standard treatment options:
Topical Corticosteroids
Mild cases usually require the application of corticosteroid creams, or in some instances, corticosteroid lotions that are applied on the affected areas.
To name the main treatment options for Alopecia Areata, the use of corticosteroid is the most prominent one, albeit accompanied with a series of side effects like skin thinning and color alteration that may appear along with albeit accompanied with a series of side effects like skin thinning and color alteration that may appear along with long-term use.
Intralesional Corticosteroids
One of these methods is injecting steroids in small doses straight into the hairless areas every 4-6 weeks. It is, therefore, considered one of the most effective local treatment options for Alopecia Areata, as it can give results in a matter of a few weeks.
Minoxidil
The drug Minoxidil is commonly used to treat pattern baldness and only later on Is it applied to the treatment of Alopecia Areata. Though not very effective when used alone, this method is still able to show good results when combined with corticosteroids or other treatment.
Contact Immunotherapy
In case of moderate to severe forms, the treatment consists in applying chemicals such as DPCP or SADBE on the skin to provoke an immune response. It is among the long-standing treatment options for Alopecia Areata, however, it can result in irritation or itching.
Systemic Corticosteroids
Oral steroids are occasionally prescribed in case of very rapid spreading. They have a capacity to halt the loss of hair for a short time only but, unfortunately. are accompanied by serious side effects if used for a long time.
JAK Inhibitors
With the consent of the FDA, JAK inhibitors like baricitinib are turning into one of the game-changing treatment varieties for Alopecia Areata. They suppress the immune system signals that are targeting hair follicles, thus, opening new horizons to severe conditions cases.
Other Immunosuppressants
Methotrexate along with cyclosporine are the only alternatives that can be taken into account when no other means of treatment were successful. The combination of these drugs may bring back hair growth but they require very strict control due means of treatment were successful.
The combination of these drugs may bring back hair growth but they require very strict control due to their toxicity potential
Complementary and Novel Therapies
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Encourages hair follicles by using growth factors extracted from the patient’s blood.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Could lead to better hair thickness but further studies are required to confirm.
Lifestyle Factors
Stress reduction, good sleep, and proper nutrition are the main factors that help the hair grow.
Along with medical treatments, it is also important to review your daily hair care routine. For example, you can learn about how hair products like shampoo may affect your hair and scalp health.
Choosing The Right Treatment
The best way of choosing is through taking into consideration the age of the patient, the severity of the disease, the response to treatment, and side effects tolerance. Intralesional corticosteroids will be efficient for limited disorder. If the symptoms are severe, doctors may suggest contact immunotherapy or JAK inhibitors.
Risks and Side Effects
Steroids
Skin thinning, weight gain, or osteoporosis.
JAK inhibitors
The risk comes from infections and the possibility of blood changes.
Immunotherapy
Areas of stimulation and worsened irritation.
Conclusion
Alopecia Areata is capable of severely lowering the level of the patient’s self-confidence, however, the ground of available treatment options for Alopecia Areata is quite extensive already. Patients now have more than one treatment choice, including steroid therapy and JAK inhibitors.
A doctor trained in skin diseases can offer not only medical aid but also emotional support by helping the patient to find the most appropriate treatment regimen.
Using the right hair care products can further support scalp health and improve treatment outcomes.
