The side effects of cortisone injections for Alopecia Areata

There are several available treatments for Alopecia Areata . The choice will depend of the age and extent of hair loss. It can occur as a mild patchy form where less than 50% of scalp is lost and the more extensive one, with more than 50% hair loss. The behavior of these two forms is different, so the choice of treatment depends on the form it appears. Available treatments can help to grow back normal hair; however, these treatments can also have some side effects that you should be aware of before you start using it.

For mild, patchy Alopecia Areata , the most used treatment is the injection of cortisone into the bare patches. Dermatologist gives multiple injections into the skin with a tiny needle in and around the patches. The treatment is repeated once a month. The needle prick and the slight tingling are usually well tolerated by most people. First results are visible within four weeks period. New patches can still develop, even with the treatment, since only the existing patches are treated.

Systemic side effects can occur as a result of a small amount of the cortisone that enters the bloodstream and affects your entire body; it’s not limited to the location where the cortisone was given.

Those who experience systemic side effects may experience elevated blood sugar, facial flushing, local side effects, pain, infection and skin pigment changes.

Diabetic patients usually have elevated blood sugar after receiving injection of cortisone. Those patients should be carefully monitored to be sure that blood sugar level is controlled. If it’s necessary, their insulin doses should be adjusted.

Patients may experience redness in their face and flushing sensation. It happens up to 15% more often to women, than men. It can occur few hours after the injection and last few days. Local side effects are the ones that occur in just one part of the body.

Some patients may experience discomfort after receiving the injection and may feel pain that is increasing during 24 hours. The pain can last up to 48 hours. It usually disappears quickly and can be relieved with the use of ice pack and anti-inflammatory medication.

Whenever skin is treated and pierced with the needle, there is a chance of infection. Your doctor will sterilize the skin so the risk of infection is minimal.

Cortisone may make the skin brighter, so patients with darker skin should be aware of that fact. It is not harmful, but it might be the reason to consider some other options.

You might want to try out natural and holistic treatments that are milder, but effective alternative for treating hair loss. Herbal and homeopathic remedies support circulation, hormonal balance and thyroid functioning and promote strong, healthy hair. While conventional medicine advices us to use hormones and steroids, traditional Natural Hair care therapies are aimed to act on the root causes of alopecia and thus indirectly help to promote re-growth.

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