Alopecia Areata has the potential to be a psychologically devastating disease. It is the main reason people all over the world are searching for how to stop alopecia areata from spreading.
This autoimmune condition causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and other regions of the body and can strike at any time and without warning.
Read this health blog to know everything about this condition and how to stop alopecia areata from spreading naturally.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune illness that causes hair loss, frequently in quarter-sized clumps. Everyone has varying degrees of hair loss. You might lose hair in a few places or suffer significant losses.
“Alopecia areata occurs worldwide. The estimated prevalence is approximately 1 in 1000 people, with a lifetime risk of approximately 2 percent,” says research.
Studies have revealed that the mean age for diagnosis of alopecia areata is 32 years in males and 36 years in females.
Types of Alopecia:
There are several types of alopecia. The most frequent kind of alopecia is alopecia areata as it is the most prevalent, however, there are other types like:
- Alopecia areata totalis: complete hair loss on your head.
- Diffuse alopecia areata: abrupt hair thinning rather than missing areas.
- Ophiasis alopecia areata: Hair loss in a band form around the sides and back of your head
If you are struggling with hair loss, it is recommended to see a dermatologist for proper treatment. Click here to consult online with a dermatologist today via Marham.
What are the Causes of Alopecia?
“ People of all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups can develop alopecia areata. It often first appears during childhood and can be different for everyone who has it.” -National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF)
Alopecia areata is classified as an autoimmune illness. Normally, your immune system protects your body from outside invaders like viruses and bacteria. However, when the immune system attacks healthy cells as foreign, an autoimmune disease occurs.
When you have alopecia areata, your immune system attacks your hair follicles by mistake. Hair loss occurs when the follicles shrink and cease generating hair.
Some potential risk factors for alopecia are:
- genetics
- thyroid illness
- vitiligo
- vitamin D deficiency
What triggers alopecia areata?
Although alopecia areata is hereditary in most cases, but there are other reasons as well. These triggers include:
- Inflammation: As a result of any illness, dietary intolerances, or other physical and emotional stress.
- Hormonal changes: These are more common in females as their hormones fluctuate more often in menstruation, pregnancy, or during menopause.
- Lifestyle: This depends on what you eat, how you exercise, and how much sleep you get.
How to stop Alopecia Areata from Spreading Naturally?
You can you these five home remedies to stop alopecia areata from spreading naturally:
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help regulate your immune system. They are used in the treatment of a variety of autoimmune disorders, including alopecia areata.
Probiotic supplements can help your immune system by preventing your body from overreacting and causing inflammation. You should also consume probiotic foods on a daily basis, such as kefir, kombucha, cultured vegetables, yogurt, and apple cider vinegar
2. Essential Oil of Lavender
Lavender essential oil for alopecia areata is a popular home remedy. It acts as an antioxidant and decreases inflammation.
An animal study has discovered that applying lavender oil topically to bald regions induced a substantial increase in the number of hair follicles, increased hair follicle depth, and strengthened the dermal layer.
3. Zinc
Zinc supplementation, according to the researchers, may have a therapeutic advantage, particularly for individuals who are zinc deficient. Hence it is an effective natural therapy for alopecia areata because it boosts your immune system and repairs your stomach.
Moreover, low blood zinc levels are frequent in patients with alopecia areata, indicating their nutrient importance. Foods such as pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, lamb, chickpeas, cashews, yogurt, and spinach are high in zinc.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another natural treatment for alopecia areata. It helps by suppressing the cells of your immune system that are attacking your hair follicles and causing hair loss.
Research has found that acupuncture stimulates and warms hair follicles, reduces inflammation, and improves blood circulation in the afflicted region.
5. Reduce Stress
The stress of daily life or even the stress of losing your hair can trigger alopecia areata. So, to cure thinning hair and hair loss, it is essential to minimize stress and enable your body to repair so that your hair grows back rapidly.
Stress-reducing exercises can increase your blood circulation and hair growth. These include physical activity (such as yoga), meditation, writing, and spending more time outside.
What foods help alopecia?
Eating nutrient-dense foods that act to lower inflammation can help you in treating alopecia areata. There are a variety of anti-inflammatory foods your can consume including:
- green leafy vegetables
- beets
- broccoli
- blueberries
- nuts
- seeds
- turmeric
- ginger
- bone broth
- coconut oil
What are the Medical Treatments for Alopecia Areata?
If you have tried all the natural remedies for alopecia areata and nothing has worked for you. Then, you might need medical assistance. Some of the commonly used alopecia areata treatments include the following:
1. Corticosteroid injections:
They are administered to the bald regions of your scalp or any other place on the body. They are given every four to eight weeks as needed.
It has been found that more than 80% of 127 individuals with patchy hair loss who were treated with corticosteroid injections had at least half of their hair regenerate after 12 weeks.
2. Topical corticosteroids
These are alopecia areata creams that can be applied to bald spots once or twice a day as instructed by a dermatologist. They can also be supportive of hair regrowth, especially in children.
3. Phototherapy
Phototherapy using ultraviolet A-1 (UVA-1) is another option. They can help increase hair growth and reverse alopecia areata in patients and dermatologists say it is a promising treatment.
What are Alopecia Areata Regrowth Signs?
The bald spot or patches frequently regain hair within a few months. This usually happens in children or teenagers. However, when your hair grows back, it may not be the same color as before and may seem grey or white for a while.
Consult a Skin Specialist today!
How to stop alopecia areata from spreading if no home remedy is working? The best way is to consult a specialist. A skin specialist can help you find the best treatment for this condition.
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FAQs
What is the fastest way to cure alopecia areata?
There is currently no cure for alopecia areata, although doctors can recommend various treatments to help hair regrow more rapidly. Corticosteroids, potent anti-inflammatory medicines that can inhibit the immune system, are the most often used kind of alopecia areata therapy.
How do you stop your immune system from attacking hair follicles?
The best treatment option to prevent the attack of immune cells on your hair follicles is corticosteroids. They are anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for autoimmune diseases. These can be administered intravenously, orally, or as an ointment, cream, or foam.
Does vitamin D Help alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata may also be treated with a combination of vitamin D analogs and corticosteroids. Calcipotriol, a vitamin D analog, has been shown to be effective when used topically to treat alopecia areata.