What department should I visit at the hospital for alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can ginger be used for alopecia areata?

Applying ginger to the localized skin of alopecia areata can stimulate hair follicle growth and improve local blood circulation, which has a certain effect in treating alopecia areata. However, it is generally only limited to patients with relatively mild symptoms, smaller areas of hair loss, or a shorter duration of the condition. If the duration of the actual alopecia areata is long, or the patch area is large, it is advisable to seek formal treatment at a regular medical institution. This condition also relates to personal diet and lifestyle habits. It's important to exercise regularly, strengthen immunity, avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from frequently perming or dyeing hair, or using aggressive styling products like hair gels or creams. Generally, as long as treatment is adhered to, it is possible to be completely cured.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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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.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do alopecia areata follicles necrotize?

After the appearance of bald patches, they are mostly benign and there won't be any necrosis of the hair follicles. Hair follicle necrosis usually occurs in several situations, such as local trauma or previous folliculitis, and in cases of alopecia areata that have not been treated for a long time, where the cause of the disease has not been corrected, leading to follicle atrophy and eventually necrosis. Once hair follicle necrosis occurs, treatment becomes quite complicated, and some people may never fully recover. Once alopecia areata occurs, it is crucial to seek medical care from reputable medical institutions, undergo proper testing and treatment, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from eating overly flavorful foods, avoid staying up late, and minimize anxiety and stress. Strengthening exercises and enhancing immunity, if consistently maintained, can still lead to recovery.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can people with alopecia areata perm their hair?

After the symptoms of alopecia areata appear, try not to perm or dye your hair, or use hair gels or creams that are highly irritating. These can easily scald the scalp or irritate the hair follicles, affecting local blood circulation, leading to exacerbation of alopecia areata symptoms or increasing the difficulty of treatment. Once symptoms occur, be sure to seek treatment with standard medications at reputable medical institutions. Also, regulate your diet and lifestyle habits. Avoid spicy and heavily flavored foods, try not to stay up late, and avoid anxiety, tension, or bad moods. Persistent treatment is key to managing this condition. As long as the treatment is consistently followed for at least a three-month course, it can ultimately be completely cured.