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

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on February 24, 2025
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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 Gang
Dermatology
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Does washing hair aggravate hair loss in alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are complex and mostly related to individual factors, so ordinary hair washing generally does not exacerbate the condition. The main factors are still linked to a decrease in personal immunity, genetic inheritance, lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body, or long-term consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, frequent staying up late, anxiety, tension, and poor mood. However, frequent hair dyeing or perming, and the use of hair products with strong irritants such as hair gels and conditioners, may aggravate the symptoms of alopecia areata. Once this disease occurs, it is essential to seek treatment at accredited medical institutions. With long-term persistence, it is entirely possible to cure the disease completely.

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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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What causes alopecia areata?

The factors contributing to alopecia areata are complex, such as frequently eating spicy and irritating foods, or food with strong flavors, consistent late nights, anxiety, stress, and poor mood, which can all lead to the condition. Additionally, some people often experience folliculitis, abscesses, or cysts on the scalp, damaging the hair follicles and leading to alopecia areata. Only a minority of cases are somewhat related to genetic heredity. Therefore, the treatment of this disease is comprehensive, involving not only oral and topical medications but also a variety of other approaches. With long-term persistent treatment, it is possible to completely cure the condition. Developing good dietary and lifestyle habits also aids in treatment.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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What should I do if a patch of alopecia areata doesn't grow back?

Alopecia areata, commonly known as "ghost shaving," is a type of immune-related skin disease. It is important to rest, provide immune modulation and other symptomatic treatments, eat more black-colored foods, and maintain a good mood. Take oral thymopeptide enteric capsules, cysteine tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, folic acid tablets, and other medications. For the bald areas, apply a 5% concentration of minoxidil spray and heparin polysulfate mucopolysaccharide cream. The purpose is to improve scalp microcirculation to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regeneration. Simultaneously, supplementary physical therapy measures can be used, including traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as plum-blossom needle tapping and local treatment with 308 nm excimer laser radiation, three times a week, for a total of ten sessions per treatment course.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does alopecia areata spread?

Alopecia areata manifests as patchy hair loss on the scalp. In its early stages, or when symptoms are mild, many people can fully recover by adjusting their diet or lifestyle habits, without experiencing any spread of the condition. However, if left to develop over a long period, the symptoms might worsen. It is necessary to avoid spicy, highly flavorful, or irritating foods, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle free of anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, and bad moods. Upon noticing symptoms, it is advisable to consult the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. There, doctors can make a comprehensive diagnosis and create a treatment plan. With long-term adherence, the condition is entirely treatable.