What is causing the itchy alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on April 19, 2025
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Alopecia areata, commonly known as "ghost shaving," often manifests itching symptoms which usually indicate a local inflammatory response. It requires comprehensive treatment including regulation and immunity, attention to rest, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining a good mood. It's advisable to consume more black foods and take oral medications like compound glycyrrhizin tablets and folic acid tablets. For the affected alopecia areata areas, topical applications of minoxidil spray, dermatan sulfate chondroitin sulfate cream, or pimecrolimus cream can be used. Additional physical measures include treatment with fractional laser and helium-neon laser radiation. If necessary, local injections of compound betamethasone injection solution or triamcinolone acetonide can be administered to achieve anti-inflammatory effects.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Does shaving your head benefit alopecia areata?

Shaving the head when suffering from alopecia areata can be beneficial as it allows for easier application of medications to the scalp. There are many causes for alopecia areata, which often relate to staying up late, poor rest, hormonal imbalances, excessive stress, and high pressure. Alopecia areata generally results from the localized death of hair follicles and can be triggered by irritation or injury to the scalp. It is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a reputable hospital to determine the specific cause and assess the severity of the condition. In cases of alopecia areata, treatment under medical supervision can involve taking oral medications like cysteine tablets and compound glycyrrhizin capsules, as well as applying topical treatments like compound siyadan hair tonic or minoxidil solution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can ginger be used for alopecia areata?

Applying ginger to the localized skin of alopecia areata can stimulate hair follicle growth and improve local blood circulation, which has a certain effect in treating alopecia areata. However, it is generally only limited to patients with relatively mild symptoms, smaller areas of hair loss, or a shorter duration of the condition. If the duration of the actual alopecia areata is long, or the patch area is large, it is advisable to seek formal treatment at a regular medical institution. This condition also relates to personal diet and lifestyle habits. It's important to exercise regularly, strengthen immunity, avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from frequently perming or dyeing hair, or using aggressive styling products like hair gels or creams. Generally, as long as treatment is adhered to, it is possible to be completely cured.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.

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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.