What causes alopecia areata?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on April 03, 2025
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There are many causes of alopecia areata, the most common being various infections, such as bacterial and fungal infections. Psychological factors also play a significant role, such as excessive mental stress, frequent anxiety, depression, irritability, etc. Additionally, traumatic injuries can trigger alopecia areata. If there are underlying internal diseases, they can also cause alopecia areata. Hormonal imbalances, especially in women before and after pregnancy due to irregular secretion of estrogen and androgen, can lead to alopecia areata. Therefore, there are various reasons for alopecia areata. If you have patches of hair loss on your scalp, it is advisable to visit a reputable hospital for a check-up to determine the specific cause. Under a doctor's guidance, you might use hair regrowth medications such as compound scytonemin hair tonic or minoxidil solution for treatment. It is also important to avoid staying up late.

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

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.