Can alopecia areata cure itself?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on October 23, 2024
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Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp, with most symptoms being mild. This is especially true for some children, who do not require special treatment after onset. Adjusting their diet or lifestyle, avoiding picky or unbalanced eating, and consuming more vegetables and fruits can lead to self-healing. However, if the area of alopecia areata is large or the symptoms are progressively worsening, with increasing patchy hair loss, formal treatment is then necessary. It can be helpful to check for trace elements to see if there are any deficiencies, or to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for a hair follicle test to check for any atrophy or necrosis. Subsequently, formal medication can be used for treatment, which can completely cure the condition ultimately. It is important to maintain a regular diet and lifestyle habits, avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress, strengthen exercises, and enhance immunity, all of which can aid in treatment.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How long will it take for alopecia areata to fully recover once fuzz has started to grow?

Alopecia areata, once showing new fuzz, usually takes three to six months to return to normal. The appearance of fuzz indicates that the alopecia areata is in the recovery phase. In the early recovery stage, lighter-colored fuzz will grow in the area where hair was lost, and this fuzz will gradually turn into normal hair. During the active phase of alopecia areata, there will be noticeable hair loss, while in the dormant phase, the hair loss will stop. Three to four months after the dormant phase, most patients enter the recovery phase, reaching the stage where this small fuzz appears. Hence, the appearance of such fuzz signifies that the alopecia areata is nearing recovery, and new hair will grow during this phase. There are many causes of alopecia areata; it is important to avoid staying up late regularly.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The differences between alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and androgenetic alopecia

Alopecia areata generally occurs only on the scalp with patchy hair loss, usually mild, affecting just a few patches. Total alopecia is an extension of alopecia areata, where hair loss progresses to complete baldness. Universal alopecia is more severe, involving not only complete hair loss on the scalp but also potential loss of eyebrows, armpit hair, pubic hair, and even all body hair. These three conditions represent a progressive worsening, with alopecia areata being the mildest and universal alopecia being the most severe. The treatment plans for these conditions are roughly the same, but the duration varies; long-term persistence is necessary, along with proper medication from a dermatology department in a reputable hospital.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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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.

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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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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.