What causes alopecia areata on the head?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on January 26, 2025
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Spots of baldness on the head can be associated with many reasons, usually due to excessive mental stress. Being in a state of tension and anxiety for a long period can easily lead to the occurrence of bald spots. Bald spots also have a certain relationship with genetic factors, generally related to family genetics. Frequent perming, hair dyeing, and other actions that damage hair quality can also lead to bald spots. Additionally, some endocrine disorders, immune factors, and infections such as fungi and bacteria, such as tinea capitis or folliculitis, can also cause bald spots. Therefore, if bald spots occur, it is recommended to promptly visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital for diagnosis and treatment. After the doctor identifies the specific cause, an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented, which may include oral cysteine tablets or choosing compound glycyrrhizin capsules and traditional Chinese medicine treatments.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is rubbing ginger useful for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is commonly treated by applying raw ginger topically, which has a certain effect. Rubbing ginger juice on the affected scalp area can stimulate hair follicles and improve local blood circulation, offering some therapeutic benefits for alopecia areata. However, this is generally only used for mild symptoms or cases that have just developed. If the alopecia areata has been present for a long time or if long-term medication has been ineffective, the application of ginger tends to be minimally effective. If the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek formal treatment at a dermatology department of a regular hospital. Adjusting one's diet and lifestyle habits is important; avoid spicy and irritating foods, and do not consume overly salty or highly flavored foods. Strengthening exercise, avoiding staying up late, and preventing anxiety and stress are also recommended.

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

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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the causes of alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, and the contributing factors may vary from person to person. Decreased immunity, frequent staying up late, anxiety, tension, poor mood, or long-term drinking and smoking, consuming spicy or strongly flavored foods, and lack of vitamins and trace elements, as well as local injuries, or frequent occurrences of folliculitis, abscesses, and cysts are all primary factors. Only a small number of cases may be related to genetics. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek treatment from reputable medical institutions. Follicular tests can also be conducted to check for atrophy or necrosis. Generally, with persistent treatment, it is entirely curable.