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Therapy of Alopecia Areata

by — Last updated: 2022-11-11 in Skin & Hair problems

Table of Contents

Although not too many have heard about it- the fact is that Alopecia areata is a very common and specific autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, normally designed to protect the body from foreign invaders, now attacks its own tissue.
Unfortunately- there is no definite cure for Alopecia areata! But, the fact is that while there is neither a cure for alopecia areata, some patients find that some specific medications approved for other purposes can help hair grow back. But, nothing represents a definite solution!

 

  • Corticosteroids
Almost everyone has heard about these famous medications! The fact is that corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs which suppress the immune system if given orally. It is important to know that corticosteroids may be administered in three ways:
·        Local injections
It is very important to know that injections of steroids can be administrated directly into hairless patches on the scalp and sometimes the brow and beard areas are effective in increasing hair growth in most people. Injections deliver small amounts of cortisone to affected areas, avoiding the more serious side effects. What are the common side effects which could occur from using these medications? Well, the main side effects of injections are pain, mild swelling, and changes in pigmentation, as well as small indentations in the skin.  
·        Oral corticosteroids
Every patient should know that the corticosteroids taken by mouth are the mostly used type of treatment for many autoimmune diseases. But it is also important that, because of the risk of side effects, such as hypertension and cataracts, they are used only occasionally for alopecia areata.
·        Topical ointments
Everyone knows that creams rubbed directly onto the affected area are less traumatic than injections and, therefore, are sometimes preferred for children. These creams or ointments contain all needed steroids and could be extremely helpful!
  • Minoxidil (5%)
Several researches done in the past have shown thattopical minoxidil solution promotes hair growth in several conditions in which the hair follicle is small and not growing. Good thing is that this Minoxidil is FDA-approved for treating male and female pattern hair loss. It may also be useful in promoting hair growth in alopecia areata.