What causes alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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The factors contributing to alopecia areata are complex, such as frequently eating spicy and irritating foods, or food with strong flavors, consistent late nights, anxiety, stress, and poor mood, which can all lead to the condition. Additionally, some people often experience folliculitis, abscesses, or cysts on the scalp, damaging the hair follicles and leading to alopecia areata. Only a minority of cases are somewhat related to genetic heredity. Therefore, the treatment of this disease is comprehensive, involving not only oral and topical medications but also a variety of other approaches. With long-term persistent treatment, it is possible to completely cure the condition. Developing good dietary and lifestyle habits also aids in treatment.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Will eyebrows grow back if they fall out due to alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata commonly manifests as patchy hair loss from the scalp. If the condition causes eyebrow loss, it is considered more severe and requires professional treatment at a dermatology department in an accredited hospital. It can be completely cured eventually, but the treatment period may be lengthy. It's important to enhance your immune system through regular exercise, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and prevent staying up late, anxiety, or stress. A diverse diet rich in vegetables and fruits is recommended, along with appropriate medications, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Western medicine. Treatments like plum blossom needle tapping or local medicinal injections may also be used. Overall, this condition requires a comprehensive long-term treatment approach.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can alopecia areata dye hair?

There are many causes for alopecia areata, most of which are related to diet and lifestyle habits. For example, frequently being picky about food, having an unbalanced diet, or consuming spicy and heavily flavored foods can trigger it. Long-term staying up late, anxiety, stress, and being in a bad mood can also cause it. Once alopecia areata occurs, try to avoid dyeing or perming your hair, as these chemical materials can potentially irritate the scalp and exacerbate the condition. It is recommended to seek proper treatment immediately after discovery, otherwise the condition might worsen, leading to complete hair loss or loss of eyebrows. Regular consumption of beans and maintaining a healthy diet and sleep schedule are also advised.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can alopecia areata cure itself in women?

Common alopecia areata generally tends to heal on its own, especially when it has just developed. If one promptly regulates their diet and lifestyle habits, treatment might not be necessary for self-healing, It requires long-term dietary restrictions, avoiding spicy, over-salted or heavily flavored foods, enhancing exercise routines, boosting immunity, and avoiding staying up late, stress, anxiety, and bad moods, etc., If the symptoms have not self-healed after three months or even worsen, it is necessary to seek medication treatment at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Typically, treatment involves oral and topical medications, possibly combined with medicinal injections or other treatment methods, and can be completely cured ultimately. Persistence is crucial in treating this condition; long-term medication use is essential. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How long does the hair loss phase of alopecia areata usually last?

The shedding phase of alopecia areata generally lasts about three months. Alopecia areata refers to the sudden occurrence of patchy hair loss on the top of the head, usually caused by excessive mental stress, fatigue, and disorders of the immune system. Alopecia areata typically arises when various factors cause the hair follicles on the scalp to shift from the growth phase to the resting phase, resulting in the hair no longer growing and subsequently falling out extensively. The occurrence of alopecia areata is also somewhat related to genetics. If dieting leads to malnutrition, alopecia areata may also occur. The clinical manifestation of alopecia areata is the appearance of round or oval patches of hair loss on the top of the head. Some occur individually, while others may appear in multiples, varying in size and without any subjective symptoms. If alopecia areata occurs, it is advisable to seek diagnosis and treatment in the dermatology department of a standard hospital.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Will alopecia areata heal itself without treatment?

Most cases of alopecia areata, especially those that have just appeared or in children, generally do not require treatment and can resolve on their own. The prerequisite is to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits, eat more vegetables and fruits, ensure children do not become picky eaters or have an unbalanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, and avoid staying up late. If alopecia areata persists for three months or even longer without signs of self-recovery, it may then be necessary to seek medical intervention using medications or other methods. One should visit the dermatology department of a reputable hospital, where treatment might involve oral medication combined with topical drugs. Other options can include plum blossom needle tapping or local medicinal injections. Employing a variety of treatment methods can often speed up recovery. It is essential to maintain long-term commitment to treatment, typically in courses of three months each, but ultimately, the condition is generally treatable.