Does alopecia areata have anything to do with immunity?

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

Updated on September 08, 2024

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There are many causes of alopecia areata. In general, alopecia areata in children is mostly related to their dietary habits, such as being picky eaters, having unbalanced nutrition, or being inherently weak in constitution. In adolescents or during puberty, it is mostly related to personal lifestyle habits, such as anxiety, tension, poor mood, or long-term consumption of greasy, spicy, and sweet foods. In the elderly, some cases may be related to other internal diseases, such as those of the liver or kidneys, and some cases may appear in patients with anemia. Overall, it is somewhat related to immunity, but the specific causes vary from person to person.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 17sec

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What should I do if alopecia areata has expanded?

When there is an expansion of alopecia areata, local injections of corticosteroids can be used. The treatment with corticosteroids is a kind of occlusive therapy, primarily involving injecting corticosteroids into the area of hair loss. This can suppress inflammation and immune responses around the hair follicles, enabling hair growth and potentially preventing the expansion of alopecia areata. However, some individuals may experience localized skin atrophy after corticosteroid injections, and some may experience depigmentation. Therefore, when alopecia areata is expanding, it is advisable to seek timely treatment at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital. Under the guidance of a doctor, treatment can include topical application of minoxidil solution, or the use of compound preparations like compound styradan tonic for hair growth, as well as oral medications such as cysteine tablets, compound glycyrrhizin capsules, and treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and differentiation.

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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

1min

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Can alopecia areata be cured after two years?

If alopecia areata has not improved after two years, it may be related to one's treatment plan or dietary and lifestyle habits. Some individuals might not have received treatment or used improper treatment methods. Consuming spicy and heavily flavored foods, enduring prolonged periods of staying up late, feeling anxious or stressed, or having poor physical health could all potentially contribute to persistent alopecia areata. It is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital to examine the hair follicles to see if there is any atrophy or necrosis. If the hair follicles are found to be atrophied or necrotic, the treatment will be more challenging. Generally, the most conventional treatment involving oral medication along with topical applications must be complemented by proper dietary and lifestyle habits. With long-term treatment, it is entirely possible to fully recover. It is essential to maintain a good mood, engage in regular exercise, and boost the immune system.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

55sec

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Do alopecia areata follicles necrotize?

After the appearance of bald patches, they are mostly benign and there won't be any necrosis of the hair follicles. Hair follicle necrosis usually occurs in several situations, such as local trauma or previous folliculitis, and in cases of alopecia areata that have not been treated for a long time, where the cause of the disease has not been corrected, leading to follicle atrophy and eventually necrosis. Once hair follicle necrosis occurs, treatment becomes quite complicated, and some people may never fully recover. Once alopecia areata occurs, it is crucial to seek medical care from reputable medical institutions, undergo proper testing and treatment, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from eating overly flavorful foods, avoid staying up late, and minimize anxiety and stress. Strengthening exercises and enhancing immunity, if consistently maintained, can still lead to recovery.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 32sec

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Which vitamins should be supplemented for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is a type of sudden, localized, patchy hair loss, the cause of which is not entirely clear and is not simply related to vitamin deficiency. It is currently believed to be related to genetics, emotional stress, over-tension, extreme joy or sorrow, as well as endocrine disorders, autoimmunity, and may fall within the category of polygenic diseases. In treatment, it is generally important to eliminate possible triggering factors, ensure a balance between work and rest, and avoid staying up late, with a recommended bedtime at 11 o'clock. Topical treatments can include the use of minoxidil, or a local injection of steroids, while systemic treatments can be supported by taking cysteine, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B, etc., which aid in hair growth. For rapid and widespread hair loss, including total baldness and universal baldness, oral steroid therapy can be used, but it is important to be aware of the potential systemic side effects associated with long-term use of steroids. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as nourishing blood and hair growth capsules, Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, and Biotin Peptide Tablets may also be tried for alopecia areata.