Alopecia treatment involves understanding the symptoms of alopecia and practising self-care to prevent further damage. Fortunately, many people with the condition are healthy and have no illnesses that would worsen their alopecia. Many sufferers are healthy and active, so it is important to find out why your hair loss is happening. In this article, we'll discuss some of the treatments for alopecia and how they work.
alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This inflammation leads to hair loss and other symptoms. Although researchers do not yet know the exact cause of alopecia areata, they suspect that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Although the condition can develop spontaneously, treatment options are limited. The disease is often associated with other autoimmune disorders, including thyroid cancer, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The cause of alopecia areata is unclear, but it is believed to be triggered by an inflammatory response. Researchers have found that people with close family members are more likely to develop the disease. One in five people with the condition has a family member who is affected. Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, there are treatments that can speed up hair regrowth and ease other symptoms associated with the disease.
it causes bald patches on the scalp
Alopecia is a condition where bald patches appear on the scalp. These patches are typically round, approximately the size of a large coin, and may develop rapidly. The patches sometimes go undetected if the affected area is covered with long hair. The affected area can sometimes regrow hair within a few months. The regrown hair may not be its normal colour. It may look white or grey for some time before returning to its normal colour.
There is no known cure for alopecia areata, but some treatments have successfully treated bald patches. Some hair regrowth therapies have been shown to short-circuit the autoimmune reaction in the scalp, while others can help increase hair growth. One type of treatment involves using a steroid, known as minoxidil, in injections that are administered directly into the bald patches.
it can be treated with topical immunotherapy
Alopecia can be treated with topical immune therapy. This treatment is used for recalcitrant alopecia areata (AA) patients. Topical immunotherapy involves the application of chemicals to the scalp that alter the immune response. The chemicals used in topical immunotherapy show efficacy and are well tolerated by patients. Forty per cent of these patients regain scalp hair after six months.
One of the main side effects of topical immunotherapy is an itchy rash that develops after repeated application. However, this side effect is not permanent; patients must continue the treatment to maintain regrowth. A dermatologist performs the application of topical immunotherapy. If you are unsure which doctor to see, you can search for specialists at the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
it can be treated with laser therapy
Laser therapy is an alternative treatment for alopecia that induces hair growth. This treatment is based on the notion that thermal injury promotes regrowth. A 2006 study by Ito and colleagues demonstrated that hair follicles formed outside the follicle when treated with laser. The polypeptide thymosin beta-4 and cyclopentyladenosine are also involved in hair growth and have been linked to laser treatment.
Studies have shown that LLLT stimulates hair growth in mice and people with alopecia areata. The treatment has also been shown to stimulate hair growth in both men and women, a small but significant benefit. Researchers believe the primary mechanism is stimulating epidermal stem cells in the hair follicles and shifting into the anagen phase. Until recently, LLLT has been regarded as a safe and effective treatment for alopecia.