Alopecia areata or spot baldness occurs when one loses hair from the head or other body parts. The result is small patches of balding on the scalp, and they are barely noticeable until the patches connect and leave a glaring gap without hair. Research attributes alopecia to psychological stress. If you have noticed balding spots on your head, your Fort Worth, TX dermatologist can help spur new hair growth on your scalp. There are various kinds of alopecia, including:
- Patchy alopecia areata – is the most prevalent form of alopecia, and it presents as coin-sized patches on the body. In females, hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, and lashes. Children with alopecia areata did not necessarily inherit from their parents.
- Alopecia totalis – this hair loss happens everywhere on the scalp, leaving the patient with an entirely bald head.
- Alopecia Universalis – this rare form of alopecia goes beyond the scalp to other parts of the body. The patient will have total or almost complete hair loss in the affected areas.
- Diffuse alopecia areata – this alopecia causes sudden thinning of hair everywhere, not just patches here and there.
No matter what kind of alopecia you have, there are ways to manage this condition, so you get new hair growth, but the process can take a while, and you may not realize the desired outcomes.
Natural treatments
If you are a fan of holistic medicine, natural approaches may be your first choice. Essential oils peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary are lovely at addressing baldness. Consult with your physician to determine quantities and apply them directly on the skin or use carrier oil. Since stress is a causative factor in balding, aromatherapy and acupuncture can help alleviate it stops impairing your immune system functions. Jojoba herbal supplements like saw palmetto have proven helpful in managing this condition.
Topical agents
While there is no known cure for alopecia areata, topical agents like Anthralin and Minoxidil help to spur new hair growth in the affected areas. Apply twice per day or follow the directions indicated, and be patient because regrowth can take almost a year. Topical immunotherapy is another viable option that triggers an allergic rash in bald areas and spurs new hair growth.
Oral prescriptions
Since the cause of alopecia is not clear, it is presumed that stress is a contributing factor that affects how the immune system reacts. A dose of oral immunosuppressants works by interfering with how your immune system functions, thus making it possible to grow new hair in the patchy areas. The attending dermatologist will advise on possible side effects to watch out for when taking oral treatments, so you make an informed choice.
Microblading
If alopecia affects the eyebrows in females, cosmetic procedures like microblading can help. The doctor will use a handheld device to inject pigment into your skin, resembling natural hair.
In the end, alopecia usually occurs in healthy people; they do not have an active diagnosis of any medical condition, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause. Recovery varies from one person to the next, and some people do not get complete regrowth no matter what interventions they pursue.
