Can alopecia areata heal itself?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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For most people, alopecia areata can gradually heal on its own initially through dietary adjustments or personal lifestyle attention. However, if the condition does not improve after three months or six months, formal medical treatment is necessary.

It is important to avoid spicy and highly seasoned foods, maintain a regular schedule, and try to avoid staying up late, feeling anxious, tense, or in a bad mood. Also, avoid irritating the scalp with hair dyeing or perming. Formal treatment is essential, otherwise the condition may worsen, potentially leading to complete hair loss, including loss of eyebrows, armpit hair, and pubic hair. It is crucial to adhere to a regulated diet and lifestyle habits, strengthen exercise, and enhance immunity.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Causes and Prevention of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata can be caused by a variety of factors and can occur at any age. Generally, alopecia areata in children is mostly related to picky eating or an imbalanced diet, including excessive snacks. Among adolescents or middle-aged individuals, alopecia areata can be related to high stress levels, vigorous sebaceous gland activity, or the frequent consumption of spicy and stimulating foods. For middle-aged and elderly people, it could be related to other diseases within the body, such as liver or kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to foster good dietary and lifestyle habits, strengthen physical exercise to boost immunity, include more legumes in the diet, and regularly massage the scalp, all of which can serve as preventive and therapeutic measures.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What department should I visit at the hospital for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp due to various inducing factors. Since hair is an appendage of the skin, treatment should primarily be conducted in the dermatology department of formal medical institutions. Once this condition manifests, it is crucial to seek standardized treatment using approved medications and maintain long-term commitment, as it can be completely cured. During treatment, it is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from consuming overly flavored items, maintain a relaxed mood, and avoid staying up late. Anxiety, stress, or poor mood can negatively impact the recovery process. Additionally, using irritating hair styling products or frequently dyeing or perming hair should be avoided. It is recommended to receive proper treatment at established medical institutions.