There is
not a cure for alopecia areata but there are drugs approved for its
treatment. Doctors try several medications approved for promoting hair
growth, but none cure the disease. Consult your doctor about the best
option for you.
Steroids, Corticosteroids,
anti-inflammatory drugs are often used in the treatment of various
autoimmune diseases, including alopecia areata. Corticosteroids may be
given as injections of steroids directly into the patches on the scalp
or the effected area. It takes about 4 weeks for new hair growth to
become visible, if there is any growth. Side effects of injections may
be mild swelling, changes in pigmentation, or small indentations in the
skin that go away when injections are stopped. Injections usually have
to be repeated monthly. Large areas cannot be treated, because the
discomfort and the amount of medicine become too great, with risk of
side affects of hypertension and cataracts may occur.
Corticosteroids taken by mouth may be used in more extensive alopecia
areata. But because of the risk of side effects of oral corticosteroids,
such as hypertension and cataracts, they are used only occasionally for
alopecia areata and for shorter periods of time.
Ointments
containing steroids rubbed directly onto the affected area are preferred
for children. However, corticosteroid creams are less effective than
injections; they work best when combined with other topical treatments,
such as minoxidil.
Topical
minoxidil is FDA-approved for treating male and female pattern hair
loss. It is used in alopecia areata to promote hair growth. It is
applied twice daily and may be used on the scalp, brow, and beard areas.
New hair growth may appear within three months after a daily use of the
solution.
Anthralin
is an approved treatment for psoriasis and is also commonly used to
treat alopecia areata. Anthralin is applied for 20 to 60 minutes to
avoid skin irritation. Anthralin or Sulfasalazine are often used in
combination with other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or
minoxidil.
Hairpieces are useful
for patients with extensive disease and allow them to carry on their
usual social life. Reassure patients about the natural look provided by
hairpieces.
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