Does shaving your head benefit alopecia areata?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on December 13, 2024
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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 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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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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How long does it generally take for hair to regrow from alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, including reduced immunity, long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, frequent anxiety and stress, poor mood, or prolonged lack of nutrition. For milder cases of alopecia areata, hair can usually regrow within 1 to 3 months through self-adjustment of diet and lifestyle habits, along with increased exercise. However, for more severe cases, where hair loss covers a larger area, in addition to standard medical treatments, enhancing exercise, strengthening immunity, consuming more vegetables and fruits, and diversifying the diet are recommended. Typically, one treatment cycle lasts at least 3 months, and for severe symptoms, treatment may be needed for half a year or even longer. Persistence is crucial in managing this condition.

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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 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.