Hair growth treatments for alopecia areata

There is no known cure for alopecia areata. However, some patients have found that treatments for other conditions has helped their hair to grow back, if not only temporarily.

Below is a list of potential therapies used by alopecia areata patients to promote hair growth. It is important to note that although these treatments may contribute to hair growth, they will not cure the underlying disease.

• Corticosteroids An anti-inflammatory drug that mimics a hormone that the body naturally produces called cortisol. There are three methods for administering corticosteroids in treating alopecia areata:

• Local injections – The steroid is injected directly into the areas affected. Typically results are not visible until roughly 4 weeks after treatment. Side effects might include: pain, mild swelling, skin discoloration, and small divets in the skin that go away treatment is ceased. Injections usually have to be repeated on a monthly basis.
• Oral corticosteroids – Typically used only occasionally for alopecia areata and for shorter periods of time. Side effects include: hypertension and cataracts.
• Topical corticosteroids – Usually found in creams and ointments which are applied to the affected area. Topically administered Corticosteroid are far less effective than injections. Topical corticosteroids have improved results when combined with other topical treatments, such as anthralin or minoxidil.

• Minoxidil (one popular brand is Rogaine) – This FDA approved treatment for baldness is applied topically. It can be also be used by people who suffer from alopecia areata. If it works, it usually takes about 12 weeks for results to be visible.
• Anthralin – Is typically used as a treatment for psoriasis however it can also be used to treat alopecia areata. If it works, results will be visible in 8 to 12 weeks. The effectiveness of Anthralin as a treatment for alopecia areata is enhanced if used concurrently with corticosteroid injections or minoxidil.
• Sulfasalazine – A drug used to treat various autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis. It is sometimes used by patients with severe alopecia areata.
• Topical sensitizers –Squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) and diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) are two topical sensitizers used to treat alopecia areata.
• Oral cyclosporine – There a serious risks of serious infection when using oral cyclosporine and may lead to the development of skin cancer.
• Photochemotherapy . Roughly a 50% success rate for patients to achieve adequate hair growth but the chances of losing the hair again are high. The downside of this form of treatment includes having to visit an office two to three times a week where the equipment is located. There are risks of developing skin cancer as well.
• Alternative therapies – acupuncture, vitamins, and eastern medicinal herbs.