Can alopecia areata heal itself?

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

Updated on August 31, 2024

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For most people, alopecia areata can gradually heal on its own initially through dietary adjustments or personal lifestyle attention. However, if the condition does not improve after three months or six months, formal medical treatment is necessary.

It is important to avoid spicy and highly seasoned foods, maintain a regular schedule, and try to avoid staying up late, feeling anxious, tense, or in a bad mood. Also, avoid irritating the scalp with hair dyeing or perming. Formal treatment is essential, otherwise the condition may worsen, potentially leading to complete hair loss, including loss of eyebrows, armpit hair, and pubic hair. It is crucial to adhere to a regulated diet and lifestyle habits, strengthen exercise, and enhance immunity.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

55sec

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What should be paid attention to in daily life for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata has many causes and complex contributing factors, and each person's triggering elements differ. Besides seeking treatment from qualified medical institutions, it is crucial to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, overly salty or strongly flavored foods, as well as to refrain from staying up late, feeling anxious, stressed, or upset. It is essential to enhance physical exercise to boost immunity and to avoid using irritating hair products such as gels or conditioners, or frequently perming or dyeing the hair, as these do not aid in treatment. Another important aspect is the need for long-term and persistent treatment because the effects of treatment for this condition are very slow to manifest. A single treatment cycle requires at least three months, but with long-term commitment, it is entirely possible to achieve a complete cure.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

50sec

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How long does it generally take for hair to regrow from alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, including reduced immunity, long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, frequent anxiety and stress, poor mood, or prolonged lack of nutrition. For milder cases of alopecia areata, hair can usually regrow within 1 to 3 months through self-adjustment of diet and lifestyle habits, along with increased exercise. However, for more severe cases, where hair loss covers a larger area, in addition to standard medical treatments, enhancing exercise, strengthening immunity, consuming more vegetables and fruits, and diversifying the diet are recommended. Typically, one treatment cycle lasts at least 3 months, and for severe symptoms, treatment may be needed for half a year or even longer. Persistence is crucial in managing this condition.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

53sec

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What is alopecia areata a precursor to in terms of cancer?

Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp caused by various triggering factors. This disease generally has no correlation with cancer nor is it a precursor to cancer. Most of the factors contributing to the condition are related to reduced immunity, genetic predisposition, lack of vitamins and trace elements, consumption of spicy and stimulating food, frequent staying up late, and stress. Therefore, the treatment of this disease involves a comprehensive approach. It is advised to consult a dermatologist at a reputable hospital for a holistic diagnosis and subsequent treatment. With long-term persistence in treatment, the condition can be completely cured. It is also important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, engage in regular exercise to boost immunity, and ensure a diverse diet to avoid selective or partial eating.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

47sec

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The differences between alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and androgenetic alopecia

Alopecia areata generally occurs only on the scalp with patchy hair loss, usually mild, affecting just a few patches. Total alopecia is an extension of alopecia areata, where hair loss progresses to complete baldness. Universal alopecia is more severe, involving not only complete hair loss on the scalp but also potential loss of eyebrows, armpit hair, pubic hair, and even all body hair. These three conditions represent a progressive worsening, with alopecia areata being the mildest and universal alopecia being the most severe. The treatment plans for these conditions are roughly the same, but the duration varies; long-term persistence is necessary, along with proper medication from a dermatology department in a reputable hospital.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

55sec

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Is rubbing ginger useful for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is commonly treated by applying raw ginger topically, which has a certain effect. Rubbing ginger juice on the affected scalp area can stimulate hair follicles and improve local blood circulation, offering some therapeutic benefits for alopecia areata. However, this is generally only used for mild symptoms or cases that have just developed. If the alopecia areata has been present for a long time or if long-term medication has been ineffective, the application of ginger tends to be minimally effective. If the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek formal treatment at a dermatology department of a regular hospital. Adjusting one's diet and lifestyle habits is important; avoid spicy and irritating foods, and do not consume overly salty or highly flavored foods. Strengthening exercise, avoiding staying up late, and preventing anxiety and stress are also recommended.