Alopecia areata, commonly known as patchy hair loss, is a common skin condition where hair loss occurs in patches. This condition manifests with hair loss on the scalp. Interestingly, this disorder can also occur outside the scalp area. While such hair conditions can be challenging to treat, there are a few prescriptions available for it.
Why Does Alopecia Areata Occur? How Is It Treated?
What is Alopecia areata? It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. It can occur in people of all ages, including both men and women. If you are experiencing Alopecia areata, you should consult a doctor to find the right treatment.
This condition results in the formation of a bald spot on a person’s scalp. In severe cases, it can lead to complete baldness. Fortunately, Alopecia areata is a treatable condition.
Individuals with autoimmune or inflammatory disorders are more likely to develop Alopecia areata. Besides genetic factors, other factors can also lead to this condition. Factors such as stress, trauma, and viral infections are among the most common triggers.
Hair may continue to grow, but during this time, re-falling of hair can also occur. The symptoms of the disease can vary and can occur at any age. The disease can even affect nail growth, particularly thinning and brittleness of the nails.
Alopecia Areata Prescription – Recommendation
There are no FDA-approved medications for treating Alopecia areata, but some treatments have shown promising results. One of such medications is Olumiant, a Janus kinase inhibitor that can help with Alopecia areata. However, it can also have side effects depending on usage and the patient, so you should not start this treatment without consulting your doctor.
Is There a Definite Solution for Alopecia Areata?
There is no definite solution for Alopecia areata, but a doctor can offer treatment options that can accelerate hair regrowth. Topical steroids like Tretinoin can promote hair regrowth in some patients. Other medications like immunosuppressants can suppress the immune system and stimulate hair growth. These treatments can also prevent the formation of new bald spots.
Is There a Treatment for Alopecia Areata?
There are many treatment options available for this condition. We have listed the two most common types of treatment for you below.
PUVA therapy is the primary way to treat Alopecia areata. In the past, the drug Janus kinase inhibitors (TNFIs) was used for Alopecia areata treatment. However, this method was found to have a very low success rate in clinical trials.
Dithranol is another treatment option. This compound has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is generally used as a topical treatment. The solution is applied to the scalp at 0.5-1% and left for 20-30 minutes. Then the patient should wash their hair with shampoo. The treatment is usually repeated daily and can result in visible improvement. There are a few possible side effects such as itching, redness, and scaling.
