Does washing hair aggravate hair loss in alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on April 30, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What should I do about alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata, commonly known as "ghost shaving," has an unknown cause and its onset mechanism is related to the immune system. Factors such as fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, and lack of sleep can all trigger this condition, and it requires supportive symptomatic treatment such as immune modulation. Oral administration of L-cysteine tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets, along with topical application of 5% minoxidil spray in the affected area, as well as chondroitin sulfate polysulfate cream or pimecrolimus cream, combined with physical therapy measures like helium-neon laser irradiation, are recommended. It is also important to rest, consume dark-colored foods including black sesame, black fungus, and black rice, and maintain a good emotional state. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 10sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 9sec home-news-image

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.

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.