Alopecia areata is not to be feared. From treatment to prevention, it’s all solved in one article!

Author: Wu Yan, Chief Physician, Peking University First Hospital

Reviewer: He Yanling, Chief Physician, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University

Alopecia areata, also known as circular alopecia in medicine, is a sudden, non-scarring localized hair loss disease. Its main feature is the appearance of circular or oval hair loss areas of varying sizes and numbers on the scalp. These areas are usually smooth and hairless, while the surrounding hair remains intact. Alopecia areata not only affects the patient's appearance, but may also have a negative impact on their mental health. Therefore, mastering its treatment and prevention methods is of great significance to improving the quality of life of patients.

The treatment of alopecia areata is mainly divided into two categories: oral medication and topical medication. The specific treatment method should be determined based on the severity of the patient's condition, influencing factors and personal circumstances.

For patients with more serious conditions, especially those with alopecia areata that covers a large area or lasts for a long time, oral medication is necessary. Corticosteroids are one of the commonly used oral medications because they have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, can effectively inhibit the attack behavior of immune cells, and promote the recovery of hair follicles. However, long-term use of hormone drugs may have certain side effects, such as weight gain, osteoporosis, etc. Therefore, for patients who cannot use hormone drugs, such as elderly patients with diabetes or hypertension, they can consider using Chinese patent medicines that simulate hormone effects, such as monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, total glycosides of white paeony, etc. These drugs also have the effect of suppressing immunity, and the side effects are relatively small. In addition, there are many Chinese medicines and decoctions that can be used for auxiliary treatment, which can help improve sleep quality, regulate qi and blood, and thus promote hair growth.

Topical drug treatment plays an important role in the treatment of alopecia areata because of its advantages such as simplicity, ease of use and few side effects. Minoxidil is one of the commonly used topical drugs. It can awaken the hair that has entered the resting period and prompt it to enter the growth period as soon as possible, thereby achieving the purpose of hair growth. In addition, topical corticosteroids are also one of the effective means of treating alopecia areata. It can directly act on the local scalp, inhibit inflammatory response, and promote hair follicle recovery. However, it should be noted that the effect of topical drugs is relatively weak, and it may take a longer time to see obvious results.

Figure 1 Original copyright image, no permission to reprint

When it comes to preventing alopecia areata, the key is to avoid inducing factors. First of all, it is very important to maintain a good living habit and mentality. Patients should pay attention to the combination of work and rest, avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress; maintain adequate sleep time and good sleep quality; when encountering problems, they should learn to regulate their emotions to avoid excessive emotional fluctuations that may cause harm to the body. Secondly, a reasonable diet is also one of the important measures to prevent alopecia areata. Patients should maintain a balanced nutritional intake, consume more foods rich in vitamins and trace elements, and avoid malnutrition caused by excessive dieting and picky eating. For patients with a history of alopecia areata, special attention should be paid to these preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence.

In addition, patients should also pay attention to the cleaning and care of the scalp in daily life. Choose shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type, and avoid using too many chemicals and styling products to avoid irritating the scalp. At the same time, it is also important to keep the blood circulation of the scalp unobstructed, and proper massage and combing can promote the blood circulation and metabolism of the scalp.

Figure 2 Original copyright image, no permission to reprint

It is worth noting that alopecia areata is not a hereditary disease. Although it may be related to certain genetic factors, its heritability is low. Most cases of alopecia areata are caused by acquired factors rather than genetics. Therefore, even if parents suffer from alopecia areata, their children will not have an increased risk of the disease.