Which department should I go to for alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp. The causes of this condition are complex, generally associated with dietary and lifestyle habits, or reduced immunity, and in some cases, it may also involve genetic predisposition. Once diagnosed, treatment should be sought at a dermatology department of a formal medical institution. An initial examination of the hair follicles in the affected area can reveal whether there is follicle atrophy or necrosis. Treatment often involves a combination of oral and topical medications, and localized medication occlusion therapy can also be employed. The more treatment methods utilized, the higher the likelihood of cure. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, and avoid stress and anxiety. Strengthening exercise and enhancing immunity can also improve the cure rate.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can alopecia areata be cured after two years?

If alopecia areata has not improved after two years, it may be related to one's treatment plan or dietary and lifestyle habits. Some individuals might not have received treatment or used improper treatment methods. Consuming spicy and heavily flavored foods, enduring prolonged periods of staying up late, feeling anxious or stressed, or having poor physical health could all potentially contribute to persistent alopecia areata. It is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital to examine the hair follicles to see if there is any atrophy or necrosis. If the hair follicles are found to be atrophied or necrotic, the treatment will be more challenging. Generally, the most conventional treatment involving oral medication along with topical applications must be complemented by proper dietary and lifestyle habits. With long-term treatment, it is entirely possible to fully recover. It is essential to maintain a good mood, engage in regular exercise, and boost the immune system.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does washing hair aggravate hair loss in alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are complex and mostly related to individual factors, so ordinary hair washing generally does not exacerbate the condition. The main factors are still linked to a decrease in personal immunity, genetic inheritance, lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body, or long-term consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, frequent staying up late, anxiety, tension, and poor mood. However, frequent hair dyeing or perming, and the use of hair products with strong irritants such as hair gels and conditioners, may aggravate the symptoms of alopecia areata. Once this disease occurs, it is essential to seek treatment at accredited medical institutions. With long-term persistence, it is entirely possible to cure the disease completely.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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What is causing the itchy alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata, commonly known as "ghost shaving," often manifests itching symptoms which usually indicate a local inflammatory response. It requires comprehensive treatment including regulation and immunity, attention to rest, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining a good mood. It's advisable to consume more black foods and take oral medications like compound glycyrrhizin tablets and folic acid tablets. For the affected alopecia areata areas, topical applications of minoxidil spray, dermatan sulfate chondroitin sulfate cream, or pimecrolimus cream can be used. Additional physical measures include treatment with fractional laser and helium-neon laser radiation. If necessary, local injections of compound betamethasone injection solution or triamcinolone acetonide can be administered to achieve anti-inflammatory effects.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Will alopecia areata heal itself without treatment?

Most cases of alopecia areata, especially those that have just appeared or in children, generally do not require treatment and can resolve on their own. The prerequisite is to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits, eat more vegetables and fruits, ensure children do not become picky eaters or have an unbalanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, and avoid staying up late. If alopecia areata persists for three months or even longer without signs of self-recovery, it may then be necessary to seek medical intervention using medications or other methods. One should visit the dermatology department of a reputable hospital, where treatment might involve oral medication combined with topical drugs. Other options can include plum blossom needle tapping or local medicinal injections. Employing a variety of treatment methods can often speed up recovery. It is essential to maintain long-term commitment to treatment, typically in courses of three months each, but ultimately, the condition is generally treatable.