What should I do about alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on April 22, 2025
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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.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the tests for alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are quite complex, mostly related to an individual's diet or lifestyle habits, such as long-term consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, or overly flavored foods. Additionally, some people have long-term poor nutrition, unhealthy eating habits, irregular meal times, and lifestyle habits such as frequent staying up late, feeling anxious, stressed, or being in a bad mood; all these are triggering factors. For a general examination, one can first go to the hospital to check for trace elements to see what is lacking. A complete blood count could also be performed to check for symptoms of anemia, or one could visit the dermatology department of a regular hospital to test the hair follicles and see if there is any local follicle necrosis. This disease can be completely cured by seeking treatment in the dermatology department of a regular hospital, using oral and topical medications, provided the treatment is adhered to.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What is alopecia areata a precursor to in terms of cancer?

Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp caused by various triggering factors. This disease generally has no correlation with cancer nor is it a precursor to cancer. Most of the factors contributing to the condition are related to reduced immunity, genetic predisposition, lack of vitamins and trace elements, consumption of spicy and stimulating food, frequent staying up late, and stress. Therefore, the treatment of this disease involves a comprehensive approach. It is advised to consult a dermatologist at a reputable hospital for a holistic diagnosis and subsequent treatment. With long-term persistence in treatment, the condition can be completely cured. It is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, engage in regular exercise to boost immunity, and ensure a diverse diet to avoid selective or partial eating.

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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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Can people with alopecia areata dye their hair?

Alopecia areata often occurs mostly due to decreased immunity or eating spicy, irritating foods, foods with overly strong flavors, frequently staying up late, anxiety, tension, and bad moods. Once alopecia areata appears, it is necessary to seek formal treatment, avoid dyeing or perming hair, and avoid using irritating hair gels. It is advisable to maintain hair hygiene with clean water or warm water washing, in conjunction with formally prescribed oral and topical medications, and local medication occlusion treatment can also be coordinated. If the symptoms are severe, one may also visit a formal hospital to check if the hair follicles have atrophied or died. Avoiding spicy, irritating foods, enhancing exercise, and strengthening immunity can completely cure the condition.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What causes alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are varied, and the specific factors for each individual may differ. However, it is mainly related to reduced immunity, lack of vitamins and trace elements, long-term consumption of spicy and irritating food, frequent staying up late with anxiety and tension, and poor mood. Some teens may also develop alopecia areata if they frequently suffer from scalp folliculitis, abscesses, or cysts, which can damage the hair follicles. Only a small number of cases may be related to genetic inheritance. Therefore, once this condition occurs, it is essential to seek treatment at a formal medical institution. With long-term persistence, it is possible to cure the condition, and adopting good dietary and lifestyle habits can help with the treatment.