What should be paid attention to in daily life for alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
00:00
00:00

Alopecia areata has many causes and complex contributing factors, and each person's triggering elements differ. Besides seeking treatment from qualified medical institutions, it is crucial to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, overly salty or strongly flavored foods, as well as to refrain from staying up late, feeling anxious, stressed, or upset. It is essential to enhance physical exercise to boost immunity and to avoid using irritating hair products such as gels or conditioners, or frequently perming or dyeing the hair, as these do not aid in treatment. Another important aspect is the need for long-term and persistent treatment because the effects of treatment for this condition are very slow to manifest. A single treatment cycle requires at least three months, but with long-term commitment, it is entirely possible to achieve a complete cure.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 6sec home-news-image

How long does it generally take for a small patch of alopecia areata to recover?

Alopecia areata, commonly known as "ghost shearing", is often related to immune factors in its causes and mechanism of onset. It is important to rest and provide symptomatic treatment with immune modulation. Generally, recovery can be expected within about a month. Oral medications such as cysteine tablets, folic acid tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, and pimecrolimus granules can be taken. In the area affected by alopecia areata, topical application of dermatan sulfate polysaccharide cream, tacrolimus ointment, combined with the use of minoxidil solution is recommended to promote local circulation and thereby facilitate hair regrowth. Additionally, other physical therapy measures can be supportive, including traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as plum-blossom needle tapping and local intense pulsed light therapy. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

Does alopecia areata need treatment?

Alopecia areata is characterized by localized or patchy hair loss on the scalp. There are many causes for this condition, most of which are related to individual dietary habits and lifestyle. For instance, irregular meal times, malnutrition, or frequent consumption of spicy and stimulating foods can contribute to the condition. Additionally, staying up late, experiencing anxiety, tension, or overall poor mood can also lead to hair loss. In most cases, alopecia areata that appears for a short period can be treated through dietary adjustments. However, if the affected area is large, it is advisable to seek professional treatment at a dermatology department of a formal hospital; otherwise, the area of hair loss may continue to expand. If it progresses severely, it might lead to complete hair loss or even loss of eyebrows.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 7sec home-news-image

What causes alopecia areata?

There are many causes of alopecia areata, the most common being various infections, such as bacterial and fungal infections. Psychological factors also play a significant role, such as excessive mental stress, frequent anxiety, depression, irritability, etc. Additionally, traumatic injuries can trigger alopecia areata. If there are underlying internal diseases, they can also cause alopecia areata. Hormonal imbalances, especially in women before and after pregnancy due to irregular secretion of estrogen and androgen, can lead to alopecia areata. Therefore, there are various reasons for alopecia areata. If you have patches of hair loss on your scalp, it is advisable to visit a reputable hospital for a check-up to determine the specific cause. Under a doctor's guidance, you might use hair regrowth medications such as compound scytonemin hair tonic or minoxidil solution for treatment. It is also important to avoid staying up late.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
57sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
49sec home-news-image

Will eyebrows grow back if they fall out due to alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata commonly manifests as patchy hair loss from the scalp. If the condition causes eyebrow loss, it is considered more severe and requires professional treatment at a dermatology department in an accredited hospital. It can be completely cured eventually, but the treatment period may be lengthy. It's important to enhance your immune system through regular exercise, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and prevent staying up late, anxiety, or stress. A diverse diet rich in vegetables and fruits is recommended, along with appropriate medications, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Western medicine. Treatments like plum blossom needle tapping or local medicinal injections may also be used. Overall, this condition requires a comprehensive long-term treatment approach.