Will alopecia areata heal itself without treatment?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What causes alopecia areata?

There are many causes of alopecia areata, the most common being various infections, such as bacterial and fungal infections. Psychological factors also play a significant role, such as excessive mental stress, frequent anxiety, depression, irritability, etc. Additionally, traumatic injuries can trigger alopecia areata. If there are underlying internal diseases, they can also cause alopecia areata. Hormonal imbalances, especially in women before and after pregnancy due to irregular secretion of estrogen and androgen, can lead to alopecia areata. Therefore, there are various reasons for alopecia areata. If you have patches of hair loss on your scalp, it is advisable to visit a reputable hospital for a check-up to determine the specific cause. Under a doctor's guidance, you might use hair regrowth medications such as compound scytonemin hair tonic or minoxidil solution for treatment. It is also important to avoid staying up late.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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 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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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 Gang
Dermatology
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Can alopecia areata heal itself?

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.