Alopecia Areata Treatment

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss and baldness in small patches. In this condition, the body’s immune system attacks the hair grafts and follicles, causing hair to fall out and leaving bald patches on different body areas. While there is no definitive cure, several treatments can help manage the condition and promote hair regrowth. In Dubai, various clinics offer alopecia areata treatment to promote hair regrowth.

What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss by attacking the hair follicles in your body. It commonly affects the scalp but may also cause hair loss in other body areas like eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and mustache. Alopecia areata can be treated through therapies and medications. However, severe cases may not respond to treatment. 

There are many different types of alopecia areata, depending on the amount of hair loss. These include:

• Alopecia Totalis.

In this condition, there is complete hair loss on the scalp.

• Alopecia Universalis 

In this condition, there is complete hair loss on the head (scalp) and the body.

• Diffuse Alopecia

In this condition, hair becomes thinner and thinner across the scalp.

• Ophiasis Alopecia

In this condition. A specific pattern of hair loss occurs in a band-like shape around the sides and lower back of the scalp. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata causes sudden hair loss, which often occurs as oval-shaped baldness and patchy hair loss on the scalp and beard, or other areas of the body. 

However, other than hair loss, some people may also experience other symptoms like:

• Changes in their nails
• Itching and burning sensation in the area where hair loss is about to begin
• Irritation in the eyes if eyelashes and eyebrows are lost 

Other signs of this disease occurring include:

• Hair regrows on its own from where it first fell out.
• Hair regrows in the bald area and starts falling out from other areas of the head.

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. It may happen due to many reasons, such as the following:

• Genetic

This disease tends to run in families. It has a genetic component, and individuals with a family history of the condition might be susceptible.

• Immunological factors

The immune system imbalance can contribute to inflammation and hair follicle damage. These mainly involve T cells, cytokines, and other immune system components.

• Psychological factors

Psychological factors such as stress and emotional distress often cause the progression of alopecia areata.

• Hormonal changes

The hormonal changes, which mainly occur during pregnancy or puberty, might cause alopecia areata.

• Chemical Exposure

Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, and allergens can also cause alopecia areata.

How is Alopecia Areata Diagnosed?

Dermatologists diagnose this disease by:

• Examining the area of hair loss and by looking at your nails.
• Looking closely at your hair follicle openings using a magnifying device.
• Asking about previous medical and family history.

In other cases, blood is drawn from your body for a laboratory test to identify and for detailed analysis of autoimmune disorders.

In complex cases, a biopsy may be performed for a complete examination.

What are the Treatment Options?

Different treatment options are available for alopecia areata, which aim to stimulate hair regrowth and manage the autoimmune response.

Topical Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a medical process that involves applying a chemical irritant, such as diphecyprone (DPC), to the sides and back of the head (scalp). This triggers the immune response.

Injections

The most common treatment for alopecia areata is corticosteroid injections. In this treatment, the dermatologist uses a tiny needle to inject corticosteroids into the affected patches of your skin. You will receive these injections for 4-6 weeks. Within 4 weeks, you will likely start to see hair regrowth.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a procedure that involves a series of injections containing vitamins and minerals. These are injected into the middle layer of the skin in the affected areas. Mesotherapy aims to improve hair growth and reduce hair inflammation.

Laser Therapy

In laser therapy, a dermatologist directs low-level lasers to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair growth. The laser works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, encouraging hair follicle activity.

Topical Medications

Topical medications, like creams and ointments containing corticosteroids, can help reduce inflammation and encourage hair regrowth. These creams and ointments are applied directly to the affected areas.

Oral Medications

Your specialist may prescribe oral corticosteroids for more extensive cases of alopecia areata. However, this treatment is often limited due to its potential side effects.

How can I permanently cure alopecia areata?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for alopecia areata. However, the above treatments help manage the condition and promote hair regrowth by strengthening hair follicles.

Many people with alopecia areata find that their hair regrows or that the condition goes through periods of remission, meaning the hair loss slows down or stops for a while. While there isn’t a permanent cure, treatments can often help manage the condition by reducing flare-ups and their severity. The key is to work with a dermatologist or healthcare provider who can guide you toward the right treatment for your unique situation and ensure that you get the support and care that fits your needs.

Recovery & Results

The recovery period of alopecia treatment varies from one individual to another based on factors like the technique used and the severity of the problem. Soon after the first session of treatment, you will notice a few results. However, final results will appear in almost 2-3 months. The newly grown hairs will be thin and fine initially but with time they will become dense. 

Book a consultation

Do you want to improve your appearance with an Alopecia Areata treatment? Contact Dubai Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. We have the best surgeons with enhanced skills and expertise in aesthetics. For details, call +971 4 348 5575. You can also fill out the form below to book a consultation online.