8 Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease. The initial lesion is usually a totally bald, smooth patch. At its margins, hairs which appear normal may also be very readily extracted. Subsequent progress is variable. The course of alopecia areata is highly unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what will happen next is probably the most difficult and frustrating aspect of the disease. You may continue to lose hair, or your hair loss may stop. The hair you have lost may or may not grow back, and you may or may not continue to develop new bare patches. Here are 8 alopecia treatments:
1. Cortocosteroids In mild cases of Alopecia Areata the first choice of treatment would be a cortocosteroid cream or lotion which is applied directly to the bald areas. An alternative is an injection of cortocosteroid directly onto and around the bald area.
2. Dithranol
Dithranol is a tar-like ointment which is applied to the scalp and is best known for its use in the treatment of psoriasis. It acts against cell division and discourages overgrowth of the outermost layer of skin cells.
3. Retin A - Tretinoin
Retin A is used in the treatment of both Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia. Usually Retin-A in a gel form is rubbed on the area of hair loss. The gel works best when used in combination with topical Minoxidil. It is suggested that Minoxidil be applied in the morning and Retin-A in the evening due to the fact that Retin-A increase the skins sensitivity to sunlight.
4. Topical Minoxidil marketed as Regaine, Rogaine or Headway
Topical Minoxidil is mainly used by individuals with Androgenetic Alopecia however it is also effective on patchy Alopecia Areata. Unfortunately topical Minoxidil is not normally effective in individuals with 100% scalp loss. Topical Minoxidil acts as a temporary measure in Alopecia Areata, bridging the gap until hair starts growing again on its own.
5. Zinc
Oral zinc has been shown to be of occasional benefit in Alopecia Areata and appears to possess an immunomodulatory effect as well as an anti-androgenetic effect. However very high doses are needed for it to be effective and this may result in side effects which can include vomiting and diarrhoea.
6. PUVA
PUVA treatment involves taking a psoralen which is a light sensitive drug and then undergoing a short exposure to UVA which is a long-wave ultraviolet light. Treatment takes place over a three to six week period with sessions two to three times a week.
7. Immuno-suppressive drugs
Immuno suppressive drugs where developed to stop the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs following transplant surgery. It is thought that the same drugs should be able to suppress the immune system however the main problem with interfering with the immune system is that it can lead to a lowered resistance to infection.
8. Marbo activator
It has 100% natural formula that activates growth of new hair on thinning and bald regions. Effective in most cases of alopecia areata from mildest to alopecia totalis, which results in complete loss of hair. This product can be effectively used for loss of all body and facial hair. Using regularly Marbo Activator stimulates new hair growth on thinning scalp and bald regions while your hair becomes firmer and healthier.