How is Alopcia Areata Treated
Below are some examples of treatments that can be used to treat
the problem of alopecia areata.
- Sulfasalazine – this is a
sulfa drug that is used to treat a number of anti-immune disorders.
It is effective when treating psoriasis and has
been known to be effective for those people suffering with alopecia areata.
- Topical Sensitizers – are
medications that are applied to the scalp to attempt an allergic reaction, which will cause itching,
scaling then hair growth.
The new hair is visible in three to twelve months if the medication is effective. Their consistency and safety
of these topical medications are still under review.
- Oral Cyclosporine – this was
initially developed to prevent a person's immune system from rejecting organ transplants.
It can be used to suppress the immune system's response in immune related skin conditions, although this can
lead to problems such as serious infections and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Even though this medication can help hair re-grow in alopecia area, it does not cure the disease and many
doctors are reluctant to use it due to the additional risks involved in using it as a
treatment.
- Photochemotherapy – this is a
treatment that is usually used to treat psoriasis. The patient is administered a light sensitive drug
known as psoralen topically or orally before being exposed to an ultraviolet light source.
Approximately 55% people experience hair re-growth using this method, although unfortunately there is a high
relapse rate.
A patient is required to visit a treatment establishment at least two to three times a week due to the
equipment that is required. This obviously makes it difficult for some people to
attend.
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- Alternative Therapies – some
people turn to alternative therapies when other drug treatments fail to assist with their problems
associated with hair re-growth.
Methods such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, zinc, evening primrose oil, Chinese herbs and vitamin supplements
have all been known to have varying degrees of success though many of these therapies have not been clinically
trialled so their effectiveness are unknown.
It is also thought that some may even make the hair loss worse. Anyone thinking of using natural therapies to
combat their hair loss should always remember that even though these therapies are natural it doesn't always
mean they are deemed safe to be used by everyone.
You should always discuss treatments with either a medical professional or natural remedies expert before
use.
As well as using the above treatments, there are other measures that can be taken to
keep the physical dangers or discomforts to a minimum:
· Sunglasses to protect the eyes from dust, sun, and debris, especially when the eyebrows and
eyelashes are missing.
· Sun cream us important for all exposed areas, especially the scalp and face.
· Caps, scarves and wigs can be worn to protect the scalp from the sun and elements.
· Antibiotic ointment can be applies to the inside of the nostrils to protect the nasal area from
organisms which can invade the nose when nasal hair is missing.
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