Alopecia areata is a disorder characterised by localised hair loss and can result in the development of bald patches. While hair transplants are the best answer, not everyone is comfortable with the procedure despite being less invasive. If you are suffering from Alopecia areata, you may be interested in finding non-surgical methods to control or enhance their condition.
The Use of Hair Implants
Alopecia implant treatments may seem like a quick and easy solution, but hair restoration specialists advise against it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not endorse hair implantation procedures that are not performed as part of a transplant. Almost all promises about how to regenerate lost hair are bunk. Studies indicating growth improvement with over-the-counter treatments using minoxidil are the only ones with substantial scientific evidence.
Using Hair Growth Serums
Serums aimed at preventing or reversing hair loss or thinning on other regions of the body are widely available and well advertised. Although several over-the-counter serums promise to treat hair loss due to alopecia, doctors advise first consulting a physician about the specifics of your case.
Medications Available to Treat Alopecia
Many forms of alopecia may be treated with prescription drugs, and the Food and Drug Administration only recently authorised a drug to treat alopecia areata in particular. Baracitinib (Olumiant) is a brand-new, orally-administered medicine designed specifically for those who have lost at least 50% of their hair. If the affected region is small, your doctor may recommend steroid injections.
Hair regrowth can be promoted with the use of anthralin or topical corticosteroids, both of which can be given directly to the bald spot. Those affected by alopecia areata might find hope in these treatments. The majority of treated patients have shown significant improvement.
Alternate Solutions and Short-Term Measures
It’s natural to wonder about temporary remedies to disguise hair loss if permanent ones aren’t producing results after trying both OTC and prescription drugs. To treat alopecia safely, you can attempt any of the following:
- Wigs
- Weaves
- Toupees
Additional hair can be given the appearance by using various dark cosmetics powders and sprays to the scalp or by using pigmented fibres that resemble hair.
Products that don’t directly target inflammation but do promote and maintain hair growth, say specialists, might be useful as an adjunct therapy option for autoimmune-related alopecia. Pattern hair loss may also be treated using red light caps, which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for androgenetic alopecia. Red light works by increasing blood flow, much like minoxidil, and by blocking DHT (also known as the androgen dihydrotestosterone), like finasteride, which is commonly recommended for male-pattern baldness. As an added bonus, it reduces inflammation.
In addition, when taken in addition to other therapies, supplements can occasionally stimulate regrowth by giving a rush of nutrients. Addressing a zinc deficiency, for instance, can help persons with this disease regain some hair growth. “In addition to promoting healing, regular hair and scalp maintenance reduces inflammation.
Here is what’s important…
Your specific diagnosis and scenario will determine whether or not popular hair restoration solutions will be effective in treating your alopecia. Keep your doctor in the loop so that you can weigh the benefits against the dangers and put your health first. Misuse of a product might postpone diagnosis, which could raise the likelihood of permanent hair loss or prevent the detection of a more serious underlying medical issue.
