When it comes to hair loss causes, there are certainly many of them. Some can be controlled, like iron deficiency or crash dieting, and others cannot, like alopecia. Alopecia areata is a disease in which the immune system mistakes the cells in the hair follicles for a virus or bacteria. As a result, these cells are attacked, causing the hair to fall out. The disease does not cause any physical pain; however, the emotional effects of the hair loss can be harmful to one’s self-confidence.

Who gets alopecia areata?

The disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities, and usually shows up in otherwise healthy individuals. Alopecia areata is unpredictable, and no two people experience it the same way. Some will only have to deal with the hair loss one time, and others will have it fall out, grow back, and then fall out again. The hair usually falls out in small round patches, often on the head, but it can also cause total-body hair loss.

What are some hair loss treatments?

Unfortunately, alopecia areata does not have a cure and it cannot be prevented; however, there are many hair growth options that can make a big impact on the self-confidence of the person living with the disease.

• Medications – There are several medications that may help hair regrowth caused by alopecia areata, such as corticosteroids, minoxidil, and anthralin, which are usually applied directly to the skin.

• Photochemotherapy – Some people with alopecia areata have found light therapy to be effective, but it does require going to a treatment center 2-3 times per week, and it might increase one’s risk of skin cancer.

• Natural Treatment – Due to the side effects found in other hair growth options, many patients turn to natural hair loss treatment alternatives, such as certain fatty acids, Vitamin B6, Zinc, and Saw Palmetto extract.

Living with alopecia areata is certainly not ideal, but it doesn’t have to be detrimental. With the help of the above treatments, those affected can still have just as much self-confidence as before.