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

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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
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What are the causes of alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, and the contributing factors may vary from person to person. Decreased immunity, frequent staying up late, anxiety, tension, poor mood, or long-term drinking and smoking, consuming spicy or strongly flavored foods, and lack of vitamins and trace elements, as well as local injuries, or frequent occurrences of folliculitis, abscesses, and cysts are all primary factors. Only a small number of cases may be related to genetics. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek treatment from reputable medical institutions. Follicular tests can also be conducted to check for atrophy or necrosis. Generally, with persistent treatment, it is entirely curable.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does alopecia areata need treatment?

Alopecia areata is characterized by localized or patchy hair loss on the scalp. There are many causes for this condition, most of which are related to individual dietary habits and lifestyle. For instance, irregular meal times, malnutrition, or frequent consumption of spicy and stimulating foods can contribute to the condition. Additionally, staying up late, experiencing anxiety, tension, or overall poor mood can also lead to hair loss. In most cases, alopecia areata that appears for a short period can be treated through dietary adjustments. However, if the affected area is large, it is advisable to seek professional treatment at a dermatology department of a formal hospital; otherwise, the area of hair loss may continue to expand. If it progresses severely, it might lead to complete hair loss or even loss of eyebrows.

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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.