Does shaving your head benefit alopecia areata?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on December 13, 2024
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Shaving the head when suffering from alopecia areata can be beneficial as it allows for easier application of medications to the scalp. There are many causes for alopecia areata, which often relate to staying up late, poor rest, hormonal imbalances, excessive stress, and high pressure. Alopecia areata generally results from the localized death of hair follicles and can be triggered by irritation or injury to the scalp. It is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a reputable hospital to determine the specific cause and assess the severity of the condition. In cases of alopecia areata, treatment under medical supervision can involve taking oral medications like cysteine tablets and compound glycyrrhizin capsules, as well as applying topical treatments like compound siyadan hair tonic or minoxidil solution. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What department should I visit at the hospital for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp due to various inducing factors. Since hair is an appendage of the skin, treatment should primarily be conducted in the dermatology department of formal medical institutions. Once this condition manifests, it is crucial to seek standardized treatment using approved medications and maintain long-term commitment, as it can be completely cured. During treatment, it is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from consuming overly flavored items, maintain a relaxed mood, and avoid staying up late. Anxiety, stress, or poor mood can negatively impact the recovery process. Additionally, using irritating hair styling products or frequently dyeing or perming hair should be avoided. It is recommended to receive proper treatment at established medical institutions.

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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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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the tests for alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are quite complex, mostly related to an individual's diet or lifestyle habits, such as long-term consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, or overly flavored foods. Additionally, some people have long-term poor nutrition, unhealthy eating habits, irregular meal times, and lifestyle habits such as frequent staying up late, feeling anxious, stressed, or being in a bad mood; all these are triggering factors. For a general examination, one can first go to the hospital to check for trace elements to see what is lacking. A complete blood count could also be performed to check for symptoms of anemia, or one could visit the dermatology department of a regular hospital to test the hair follicles and see if there is any local follicle necrosis. This disease can be completely cured by seeking treatment in the dermatology department of a regular hospital, using oral and topical medications, provided the treatment is adhered to.

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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.