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Alopecia areata
How long does the hair loss phase of alopecia areata usually last?
The shedding phase of alopecia areata generally lasts about three months. Alopecia areata refers to the sudden occurrence of patchy hair loss on the top of the head, usually caused by excessive mental stress, fatigue, and disorders of the immune system. Alopecia areata typically arises when various factors cause the hair follicles on the scalp to shift from the growth phase to the resting phase, resulting in the hair no longer growing and subsequently falling out extensively. The occurrence of alopecia areata is also somewhat related to genetics. If dieting leads to malnutrition, alopecia areata may also occur. The clinical manifestation of alopecia areata is the appearance of round or oval patches of hair loss on the top of the head. Some occur individually, while others may appear in multiples, varying in size and without any subjective symptoms. If alopecia areata occurs, it is advisable to seek diagnosis and treatment in the dermatology department of a standard hospital.
What causes alopecia areata on the head?
Spots of baldness on the head can be associated with many reasons, usually due to excessive mental stress. Being in a state of tension and anxiety for a long period can easily lead to the occurrence of bald spots. Bald spots also have a certain relationship with genetic factors, generally related to family genetics. Frequent perming, hair dyeing, and other actions that damage hair quality can also lead to bald spots. Additionally, some endocrine disorders, immune factors, and infections such as fungi and bacteria, such as tinea capitis or folliculitis, can also cause bald spots. Therefore, if bald spots occur, it is recommended to promptly visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital for diagnosis and treatment. After the doctor identifies the specific cause, an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented, which may include oral cysteine tablets or choosing compound glycyrrhizin capsules and traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
What is the cause of itchy scalp with alopecia areata?
The occurrence of itchy alopecia areata scalp is primarily related to the use of certain medications. Frequent use of drugs to treat alopecia areata can lead to allergic reactions, which may also cause scalp itching. Additionally, in the early stages of alopecia areata recovery, hair growth requires a significant supply of nutrients, and rapid local blood circulation can also lead to localized scalp itching. The itchy scalp associated with alopecia areata can also be related to irregular lifestyle, long-term mental tension, frequent staying up late, and deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements, which can lead to endocrine disorders. The itching associated with alopecia areata might also result from not maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the scalp, using shampoos or conditioners with strong irritants, frequent exposure to excessive ultraviolet rays, and using excessively hot water when washing hair.
What are the causes of alopecia areata?
The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, and the contributing factors may vary from person to person. Decreased immunity, frequent staying up late, anxiety, tension, poor mood, or long-term drinking and smoking, consuming spicy or strongly flavored foods, and lack of vitamins and trace elements, as well as local injuries, or frequent occurrences of folliculitis, abscesses, and cysts are all primary factors. Only a small number of cases may be related to genetics. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek treatment from reputable medical institutions. Follicular tests can also be conducted to check for atrophy or necrosis. Generally, with persistent treatment, it is entirely curable.
Does alopecia areata inherit?
Alopecia areata is not hereditary; it is mostly caused by personal factors, such as irregular and unbalanced diets, or consuming spicy and overly salty foods. Additionally, frequent anxiety, tension, and bad moods can also lead to the condition. Generally, by regulating one's diet and lifestyle habits, milder cases can improve without medication. However, if the symptoms of alopecia areata worsen and the area of hair loss expands, formal medication is needed. With long-term persistence, complete recovery is possible. During treatment, it is important to regulate diet and lifestyle habits, strengthen exercise, and enhance immunity, all of which aid in treatment.
Which vitamins should be supplemented for alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is a type of sudden, localized, patchy hair loss, the cause of which is not entirely clear and is not simply related to vitamin deficiency. It is currently believed to be related to genetics, emotional stress, over-tension, extreme joy or sorrow, as well as endocrine disorders, autoimmunity, and may fall within the category of polygenic diseases. In treatment, it is generally important to eliminate possible triggering factors, ensure a balance between work and rest, and avoid staying up late, with a recommended bedtime at 11 o'clock. Topical treatments can include the use of minoxidil, or a local injection of steroids, while systemic treatments can be supported by taking cysteine, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B, etc., which aid in hair growth. For rapid and widespread hair loss, including total baldness and universal baldness, oral steroid therapy can be used, but it is important to be aware of the potential systemic side effects associated with long-term use of steroids. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as nourishing blood and hair growth capsules, Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, and Biotin Peptide Tablets may also be tried for alopecia areata.
Can alopecia areata cure itself in women?
Common alopecia areata generally tends to heal on its own, especially when it has just developed. If one promptly regulates their diet and lifestyle habits, treatment might not be necessary for self-healing, It requires long-term dietary restrictions, avoiding spicy, over-salted or heavily flavored foods, enhancing exercise routines, boosting immunity, and avoiding staying up late, stress, anxiety, and bad moods, etc., If the symptoms have not self-healed after three months or even worsen, it is necessary to seek medication treatment at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Typically, treatment involves oral and topical medications, possibly combined with medicinal injections or other treatment methods, and can be completely cured ultimately. Persistence is crucial in treating this condition; long-term medication use is essential. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)
Does shaving your head benefit alopecia areata?
Shaving the head when suffering from alopecia areata can be beneficial as it allows for easier application of medications to the scalp. There are many causes for alopecia areata, which often relate to staying up late, poor rest, hormonal imbalances, excessive stress, and high pressure. Alopecia areata generally results from the localized death of hair follicles and can be triggered by irritation or injury to the scalp. It is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a reputable hospital to determine the specific cause and assess the severity of the condition. In cases of alopecia areata, treatment under medical supervision can involve taking oral medications like cysteine tablets and compound glycyrrhizin capsules, as well as applying topical treatments like compound siyadan hair tonic or minoxidil solution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
What vitamins are needed for alopecia areata?
For alopecia areata, supplementing with Vitamin B and calcium pantothenate can aid in hair regrowth. However, alopecia areata is not solely caused by vitamin deficiency; it is largely related to genetics and psychological factors. Stress, anxiety, depression, frequent late nights, insomnia, and poor rest can contribute to this condition. Immune factors can also lead to alopecia areata. In cases of alopecia areata, besides daily oral vitamin supplements, if the condition is severe, it is advisable to seek treatment under the guidance of a physician. This may include treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics, or taking Chinese patent medicine such as "Yan Xie Sheng Fa" capsules and "Qi Bao Mei Ran" pills, which nourish the blood and promote hair growth. Additionally, integrating Western medicines like L-cysteine tablets and compound glycyrrhizin capsules can also be helpful.
How long does it generally take for hair to regrow from alopecia areata?
The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, including reduced immunity, long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, frequent anxiety and stress, poor mood, or prolonged lack of nutrition. For milder cases of alopecia areata, hair can usually regrow within 1 to 3 months through self-adjustment of diet and lifestyle habits, along with increased exercise. However, for more severe cases, where hair loss covers a larger area, in addition to standard medical treatments, enhancing exercise, strengthening immunity, consuming more vegetables and fruits, and diversifying the diet are recommended. Typically, one treatment cycle lasts at least 3 months, and for severe symptoms, treatment may be needed for half a year or even longer. Persistence is crucial in managing this condition.