What should I do if alopecia areata has expanded?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on March 29, 2025
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When there is an expansion of alopecia areata, local injections of corticosteroids can be used. The treatment with corticosteroids is a kind of occlusive therapy, primarily involving injecting corticosteroids into the area of hair loss. This can suppress inflammation and immune responses around the hair follicles, enabling hair growth and potentially preventing the expansion of alopecia areata.

However, some individuals may experience localized skin atrophy after corticosteroid injections, and some may experience depigmentation. Therefore, when alopecia areata is expanding, it is advisable to seek timely treatment at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital.

Under the guidance of a doctor, treatment can include topical application of minoxidil solution, or the use of compound preparations like compound styradan tonic for hair growth, as well as oral medications such as cysteine tablets, compound glycyrrhizin capsules, and treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and differentiation.

Other Voices

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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How long will it take for alopecia areata to fully recover once fuzz has started to grow?

Alopecia areata, once showing new fuzz, usually takes three to six months to return to normal. The appearance of fuzz indicates that the alopecia areata is in the recovery phase. In the early recovery stage, lighter-colored fuzz will grow in the area where hair was lost, and this fuzz will gradually turn into normal hair. During the active phase of alopecia areata, there will be noticeable hair loss, while in the dormant phase, the hair loss will stop. Three to four months after the dormant phase, most patients enter the recovery phase, reaching the stage where this small fuzz appears. Hence, the appearance of such fuzz signifies that the alopecia areata is nearing recovery, and new hair will grow during this phase. There are many causes of alopecia areata; it is important to avoid staying up late regularly.

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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 inherit?

Alopecia areata is not hereditary; it is mostly caused by personal factors, such as irregular and unbalanced diets, or consuming spicy and overly salty foods. Additionally, frequent anxiety, tension, and bad moods can also lead to the condition. Generally, by regulating one's diet and lifestyle habits, milder cases can improve without medication. However, if the symptoms of alopecia areata worsen and the area of hair loss expands, formal medication is needed. With long-term persistence, complete recovery is possible. During treatment, it is important to regulate diet and lifestyle habits, strengthen exercise, and enhance immunity, all of which aid in treatment.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can alopecia areata cure itself?

Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp, with most symptoms being mild. This is especially true for some children, who do not require special treatment after onset. Adjusting their diet or lifestyle, avoiding picky or unbalanced eating, and consuming more vegetables and fruits can lead to self-healing. However, if the area of alopecia areata is large or the symptoms are progressively worsening, with increasing patchy hair loss, formal treatment is then necessary. It can be helpful to check for trace elements to see if there are any deficiencies, or to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for a hair follicle test to check for any atrophy or necrosis. Subsequently, formal medication can be used for treatment, which can completely cure the condition ultimately. It is important to maintain a regular diet and lifestyle habits, avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress, strengthen exercises, and enhance immunity, all of which can aid in treatment.