Does alopecia areata spread?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Alopecia areata manifests as patchy hair loss on the scalp. In its early stages, or when symptoms are mild, many people can fully recover by adjusting their diet or lifestyle habits, without experiencing any spread of the condition. However, if left to develop over a long period, the symptoms might worsen. It is necessary to avoid spicy, highly flavorful, or irritating foods, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle free of anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, and bad moods. Upon noticing symptoms, it is advisable to consult the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. There, doctors can make a comprehensive diagnosis and create a treatment plan. With long-term adherence, the condition is entirely treatable.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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How long does it generally take for a small patch of alopecia areata to recover?

Alopecia areata, commonly known as "ghost shearing", is often related to immune factors in its causes and mechanism of onset. It is important to rest and provide symptomatic treatment with immune modulation. Generally, recovery can be expected within about a month. Oral medications such as cysteine tablets, folic acid tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, and pimecrolimus granules can be taken. In the area affected by alopecia areata, topical application of dermatan sulfate polysaccharide cream, tacrolimus ointment, combined with the use of minoxidil solution is recommended to promote local circulation and thereby facilitate hair regrowth. Additionally, other physical therapy measures can be supportive, including traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as plum-blossom needle tapping and local intense pulsed light therapy. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Causes and Prevention of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata can be caused by a variety of factors and can occur at any age. Generally, alopecia areata in children is mostly related to picky eating or an imbalanced diet, including excessive snacks. Among adolescents or middle-aged individuals, alopecia areata can be related to high stress levels, vigorous sebaceous gland activity, or the frequent consumption of spicy and stimulating foods. For middle-aged and elderly people, it could be related to other diseases within the body, such as liver or kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to foster good dietary and lifestyle habits, strengthen physical exercise to boost immunity, include more legumes in the diet, and regularly massage the scalp, all of which can serve as preventive and therapeutic measures.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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What is causing the itchy alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata, commonly known as "ghost shaving," often manifests itching symptoms which usually indicate a local inflammatory response. It requires comprehensive treatment including regulation and immunity, attention to rest, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining a good mood. It's advisable to consume more black foods and take oral medications like compound glycyrrhizin tablets and folic acid tablets. For the affected alopecia areata areas, topical applications of minoxidil spray, dermatan sulfate chondroitin sulfate cream, or pimecrolimus cream can be used. Additional physical measures include treatment with fractional laser and helium-neon laser radiation. If necessary, local injections of compound betamethasone injection solution or triamcinolone acetonide can be administered to achieve anti-inflammatory effects.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can ginger be used for alopecia areata?

Applying ginger to the localized skin of alopecia areata can stimulate hair follicle growth and improve local blood circulation, which has a certain effect in treating alopecia areata. However, it is generally only limited to patients with relatively mild symptoms, smaller areas of hair loss, or a shorter duration of the condition. If the duration of the actual alopecia areata is long, or the patch area is large, it is advisable to seek formal treatment at a regular medical institution. This condition also relates to personal diet and lifestyle habits. It's important to exercise regularly, strengthen immunity, avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from frequently perming or dyeing hair, or using aggressive styling products like hair gels or creams. Generally, as long as treatment is adhered to, it is possible to be completely cured.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does alopecia areata have anything to do with immunity?

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.