What causes alopecia areata?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on April 03, 2025
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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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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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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 Liu Gang
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How long does it generally take for hair to regrow from alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, including reduced immunity, long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, frequent anxiety and stress, poor mood, or prolonged lack of nutrition. For milder cases of alopecia areata, hair can usually regrow within 1 to 3 months through self-adjustment of diet and lifestyle habits, along with increased exercise. However, for more severe cases, where hair loss covers a larger area, in addition to standard medical treatments, enhancing exercise, strengthening immunity, consuming more vegetables and fruits, and diversifying the diet are recommended. Typically, one treatment cycle lasts at least 3 months, and for severe symptoms, treatment may be needed for half a year or even longer. Persistence is crucial in managing this condition.

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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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Can people with alopecia areata perm their hair?

After the symptoms of alopecia areata appear, try not to perm or dye your hair, or use hair gels or creams that are highly irritating. These can easily scald the scalp or irritate the hair follicles, affecting local blood circulation, leading to exacerbation of alopecia areata symptoms or increasing the difficulty of treatment. Once symptoms occur, be sure to seek treatment with standard medications at reputable medical institutions. Also, regulate your diet and lifestyle habits. Avoid spicy and heavily flavored foods, try not to stay up late, and avoid anxiety, tension, or bad moods. Persistent treatment is key to managing this condition. As long as the treatment is consistently followed for at least a three-month course, it can ultimately be completely cured.