Alopecia Areata is a common form of hair loss that can be caused by a number of factors. Although commonly associated with complete baldness, this condition is usually characterized by small rapidly-forming patches of hair loss on the scalp and side areas. Oftentimes, the hair can regrow in just a few months, but for some people the patches stay bold and also increase in size with the time.
Although there is no permanent cure, there are some alopecia areata treatment options that can be taken into consideration to help you grow new hair. If you are facing this problem then stay with me to find out the answers to some of the most common questions that people ask regarding the proper alopecia areata treatment for them.
Q: What causes alopecia areata?
A: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. In fact, the body’s germs-fighting cells attack the hair follicles as they were bacteria or a virus. This reaction causes the immune system to stop the hair from growing. It’s still not clear why the immune system does this. However, factors such as illness, medications or stress can trigger this reaction.
Q: What are temporary solutions that can instantly improve your look?
A: Regardless whether you are undergoing a certain medical treatment, or you’ve tried many other options but you are not satisfied with the results, do not give up just yet. There are two proven alopecia areata treatment solutions you can rely on to hide your hair loss and instantly improve your look.
Clip-in Hair Extensions – Hair volumizers such as clip-in extensions are used by many women and not only by those affected by certain forms of hair loss. They are very easy to use and maintain and are available in various colours, lengths and density options; this means you can choose the right extensions to match your natural hair.
A Wig – Wigs are some of the most popular options among women and even men that are struggling with a certain form of hair loss such as alopecia areata in this case. They can be found in all styles, colours and hair lengths. While all of these factors are a matter of personal choice, you should dedicate an extra amount of attention when choosing the material. Steer away from any artificial and synthetic materials because wearing a wig made of such a material can give you an artificial look and will also make you feel uncomfortable and non-confident about your look. Instead look for a hair saloon that provides custom-made wigs made of natural materials.
Q: What are the more permanent treatment options?
A: There is a number of treatments that can help you deal with alopecia areata. However, none of them has been medically licensed and proven to treat the condition. Two of the most common alopecia areata treatment options are minoxidil and steroid injections.
Minoxidil is a non-invasive liquid or cream that is applied to the scalp. It’s licensed for the treatment of genetic hair loss but not for alopecia areata. Minoxidil has helped regrow hair successfully for some people with mild patches of hair loss, but it’s not proven to be effective for everyone affected by the condition.
Steroid injections can be also effective for mild to moderate forms of patchy hair loss. But how do they work? Steroids tent to suppress the autoimmune reaction which is the cause of this condition. This treatment consists of several injections added directly to the bold patches. The treatment is usually repeated after four or six weeks. The only downside of this treatment is the pain, which is the main reason why injections cannot be applied to larger patches.