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Alternative Treatment for Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is the partial or complete hair loss from areas on the body that usually grow hair. Your hair tends to fall out quicker than you can regrow it. The most common form of alopecia areata is termed male-pattern baldness where the middle of the scalp gradually goes bald with only a circling fringe of hair left. In women, Alopecia occurs as thinning of hair all over the scalp. Some types are temporary like hair loss following pregnancy and menopause and do not require treatment. Permanent hair loss causes a negative self-image and needs treatment to be reversed.

  1. Hair Transplant

    • Hair transplantation is a form of surgery and is considered a permanent treatment. The doctor numbs the area with a local anesthesia. He then removes small plugs containing hair, skin and underlying tissue. These plugs are carefully transplanted to the balding area. The main complication of this treatment is the possibility of the hair transplants not looking natural.

    Essential Oils

    • Essential oils of cedarwood, lavender, rosemary and thyme can promote hair growth. Essential oils can be toxic and irritating to the skin so you have to use them in a carrier oil. Add three-to-six drops of these essential oils in a tablespoon of jojoba or grapeseed oil. Massage oil mixture into the area affected by alopecia areata daily. This increases circulation to the area and reduces stress.

    Minoxidil

    • Minoxidil is a topical medication that the FDA has approved to treat alopecia areata. It stimulates hair growth within six months. It helps stop balding and reverses some of the changes in the hair follicles. It takes several weeks to notice the results. Side effects include scalp dryness, itchiness or scaling. Minoxidil must be used continuously in order to maintain the results.

    Finasteride

    • Finasteride is another medication approved by the FDA. Finasteride is taken orally and is for men only. This medication changes the action of testosterone by inhibiting the enzyme causing the hair-follicle changes. It can slow or stop balding. It takes several months to see any results. These results will disappear quickly once use of finasteride is discontinued.

    Other Treatment

    • Topical khellin can be used to promote new hair growth. Khellin is the extract of the fruit from the Mediterranean plant khella. Khellin is used in combination with UVA light therapy to sensitize and stimulate follicle cells. Melatonin can also be used in a topical solution. Use a 0.1 percent of melatonin solution for at least six months for positive results. This is most effective for women with diffused hair loss.

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