Hair loss and thinning can be extremely distressing, especially when the cause is unknown. Alopecia areata is one such condition that affects both men and women of all ages and often causes patchy bald spots on the scalp. It’s estimated that 6-7 million people in america alone have alopecia areata, but thankfully, it can be treated if caught early enough. In this blog post, we will explore what alopecia areata is and how you can prevent it from spreading any further without resorting to expensive medications or hair growth treatments.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin condition which causes patches of hair to fall out. It does not cause baldness, however it can lead to complete hair loss for some people. It is thought to be caused by genetic and environmental factors working together. Symptoms often begin with a small bald patch which can be circular or have a more irregular shape. The patches usually appear on the scalp but they can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows.
Alopecia areata is usually diagnosed based on someone's symptoms and medical history, as well as visual examination. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include topical creams and steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologic drugs such as dupixent®. Most cases of alopecia areata are temporary but in some cases hair re-growth may take longer - particularly if left untreated - or not at all occur.
Types of alopecia
1- alopecia areata totalis
alopecia areata totalis is a condition that causes complete loss of scalp hair. This condition can be emotionally devastating for the person experiencing it, and is often followed by feelings of low self-esteem or depression. It affects both men and women and although it may look as if no hair will ever return, often regrowth takes place over time.
Alopecia areata totalis is a profound shock to those who experience it, however recent studies have highlighted that those people gain strength over time to cope with this condition better and eventual emotional recovery is possible.
2- diffuse alopecia areata
alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can range from mild to severe and affects both men and women. The most common type of alopecia areata is diffuse alopecia, which causes the hair’s shaft to be narrowed, disrupting its growth cycle and causing it to shed. This form of alopecia typically starts gradually with very small bald spots, but can grow in size over time.
It’s also important to note that this form of alopecia generally does not result in complete hair loss, as in other types of alopecia such as patchy or totalis. Diffuse alopecia areata is often caused by stress, chemical treatments, or other underlying health conditions. Appropriate medical care and treatments may help repair damaged follicles, restoring growth of the lost hair.
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3- ophiasis alopecia areata
ophiasis alopecia areata is one of several types of alopecia that can affect individuals. It is sometimes known as "wavelength" hair loss, and causes distinctive patching on the scalp in the form of an "s"-shaped pattern. It usually begins with patches at the top sides of the scalp and progresses along the sides, unlike other types of alopecia which commonly progress from back to front or all over uniform thinning.
It typically affects both men and women across all ages, but it is more common in adult men than women. Ophiasis alopecia areata may be treated with steroid injections or topical corticosteroids followed by antifungal treatment if needed - though it cannot be cured and there is no guaranteed method to prevent its recurrence.
Causes of alopecia
alopecia is an incredibly common autoimmune condition where a person's immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in partial or full loss of hair. The cause of alopecia is not yet fully understood but there are several known potential triggers, including genetic predisposition and medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid problems and psoriasis. Expanded stress levels due to life changes such as moving, death of close family members or divorce can also contribute to the onset of alopecia, as the body goes into a state of fight-or-flight.
Additionally, environmental factors like pollution and excessive exposure to harsh chemicals such as those found in hair dyes or styling products can weaken the scalp’s defenses and lead to alopecia. While there isn't yet a definitive explanation for this condition, recognizing potential triggers can help sufferers get on the path to managing their symptoms.
Symptoms of alopecia
Alopecia is a condition characterized by the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body that normally grow hair. Common symptoms include small, round patches of baldness on the scalp, often accompanied by itching or burning sensations in the same area. For some individuals, alopecia will cause diffuse thinning over the entire scalp without discrete patches, while in some extreme cases a person may develop total loss of hair on their body and face.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible to prevent further hair loss. Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of alopecia, but can sometimes help reduce the impact this condition has on an individual’s life.
How to stop alopecia areata from spreading
1- Essential oils
Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular for their potential to support holistic health and wellbeing. Many people use them in their daily lives to promote relaxation, improve mood, purify and cleanse the space around them, and even treat skin conditions such as acne. However, essential oils can also be extremely helpful in how to stop alopecia areata from spreading.
Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory characteristics, which can soothe irritation on the scalp and reduce flaking - a common symptom of hair loss. Additionally, lavender oil is believed to stimulate blood circulation around the scalp; this improved blood flow could help keep hair follicles healthy and promote hair growth. Lastly, rosemary oil has been used with anecdotal evidence suggesting it improves how quickly alopecia areata spreads - but it's important to check with an expert before using this method.
2- Natural juices
Natural juices can be a great way to boost your health and prevent a variety of ailments. Not only do they provide essential vitamins and minerals, but they are also packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in your body and even stop alopecia areata from spreading. To make sure you reap all the benefits, it's important to select fresh produce, as many store-bought juices contain preservatives that can actually be harmful for your body and skin.
Moreover, sometimes adding superfoods such as wheatgrass or acai berries to the juice can boost its health-promoting effects. And why not turn these nutritious drinks into smoothies with added healthy fats from nuts and seeds? Make home-made natural juices part of your habitual nutrition routine – your body will thank you!
3- Probiotics
Probiotics have been gaining a lot of attention lately, as more and more people look for ways to stop alopecia areata from spreading. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in many foods, such as yogurt and fermented vegetables. They can also be taken as probiotic supplements.
They can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, balance hormones, and reduce inflammation that can cause disease. Research shows that probiotics may help stop alopecia from spreading because they reduce inflammation which is one of the causes of the condition. So if you want to find an effective way to slow down or even prevent this autoimmune disorder from progressing, adding probiotics to your diet might be worth considering.
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4- Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral for our body, vital for many of its functions. It can be found in a variety of food sources, such as meat, seafood, eggs and nuts. Additionally, it is possible to take zinc supplements to ensure that you get enough zinc. Interestingly, recent studies have shown how zinc can help in stopping alopecia areata from spreading.
It’s recommended to take zinc on its own or as part of a multi-minerals supplement regime so the body can fight off the condition and prevent further hair loss. If used appropriately, this key mineral can even encourage hair growth in cases of alopecia areata.
5- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a practice that has seen considerable gains in popularity lately. It is an ancient chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body, to relieve pain and bring about balance in the body's energy. This treatment has been found to be effective for a number of ailments, including how to stop alopecia areata from spreading; inserting needles into specific pressure points on the scalp has been repeatedly proven to successfully prevent this condition from getting worse. As acupuncture continues to spread across the globe, many people are finding solace and relief through it's healing properties.
6- Reduce stress
Reducing stress is an important part of how to stop alopecia areata from spreading. Taking deep breaths, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can all help to reduce stress. Engaging in activities like yoga, reading or coloring can also be helpful.
Additionally, practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or journaling can bring greater understanding of how we process stressful situations and how to better respond next time. By reducing stress levels and using specific techniques to manage it when it arises, we can help to prevent alopecia areata from progressing.
What foods help alopecia?
Eating the right foods can be a powerful tool when it comes to how to stop alopecia areata from spreading. Particularly beneficial foods for those suffering from alopecia areata are fish, nuts, eggs, and certain fruits and vegetables. Fish, such as salmon and tuna, provide essential fatty acids that can help your hair follicles stay hydrated and alive. Nuts contain both protein and fatty acids which nourish weak strands of hair.
Eating nutrient-rich eggs is an excellent way to get biotin in your diet which helps hair become healthier quicker. Additionally, incorporating fruits like kiwi and papaya can provide your body with zinc which boosts circulation for stronger growing hair follicles. Last but not least, adding more greens like kale, spinach or swiss chard will equip you with vitamin a to promote scalp oil production which helps to restore hair that’s been thinning. Overall, with the right diet in place, there’s potential to see major positive improvements in how much hair loss one experiences from alopecia areata!
How to diagnoses alopecia areata?
To diagnose alopecia areata, a medical professional will first review the patient’s medical history and evaluate the areas of hair loss. They may also perform a physical examination to check how much hair has been lost and how quickly it is progressing. In some cases, your doctor might take a skin biopsy of the affected area to confirm diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, a number of treatment options may be suggested to stop alopecia areata from spreading and regrow hair, such as corticosteroid creams and injections, immunotherapy or light therapy. Choosing the right method for you will depend on how severe your condition is, how long you have had it, what treatments have been successful in the past, and other factors.
Treatments for alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that results in hair loss. Although there is no known cure, treatments are available to reduce the amount of hair loss and even potentially regrow hair. These treatments can include topical corticosteroids, immunotherapy, photochemotherapy, biologics medications, and over-the-counter (otc) products like minoxidil.
Talk to a doctor or dermatologist about possible options so that together a treatment plan can be created to meet individual needs. Whatever the treatment selected, the key is consistency; it’s important to stick with the prescribed schedule for optimal results. Even if a particular treatment doesn’t work at first, don’t give up because progress and success can vary from person to person as well as trial by trial.
Things to avoid when you have alopecia areata
Some of the first steps that you can take to protect yourself against alopecia areata is to avoid triggers like large amounts of stress, chemicals and treatments that have strong toxicity levels, sharp things being used around the scalp, tight hairstyles that can pull the follicle out, and excessive heat.
These were all known triggers identified with alopecia. Be sure to stay mindful of these triggers when addressing your daily self-care routine and activities. Protecting your scalp from harm will go a long way in keeping your natural hair health preserved.
Alopecia areata regrowth signs
Alopecia areata regrowth signs typically present themselves as small bumps or short, soft and colorless hairs. Other indicators of possible regrowth include increased sensitivity in the affected area and localized itching, tingling or burning sensations.
Though these are often signs of regrowth, monitor them closely to determine if they remain consistent over time before concluding that an area is experiencing positive results. If treatment has been started for alopecia areata, any sudden change in appearance or condition should be discussed with a medical professional to ensure successful remission of the condition.
Please book an appointment with the Best Doctors For Hair Fall Treatment in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 02137136090 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/how-to-stop-alopecia-areata-from-spreading
