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 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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do alopecia areata follicles necrotize?

After the appearance of bald patches, they are mostly benign and there won't be any necrosis of the hair follicles. Hair follicle necrosis usually occurs in several situations, such as local trauma or previous folliculitis, and in cases of alopecia areata that have not been treated for a long time, where the cause of the disease has not been corrected, leading to follicle atrophy and eventually necrosis. Once hair follicle necrosis occurs, treatment becomes quite complicated, and some people may never fully recover. Once alopecia areata occurs, it is crucial to seek medical care from reputable medical institutions, undergo proper testing and treatment, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from eating overly flavorful foods, avoid staying up late, and minimize anxiety and stress. Strengthening exercises and enhancing immunity, if consistently maintained, can still lead to recovery.

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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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Does alopecia areata spread?

Alopecia areata manifests as patchy hair loss on the scalp. In its early stages, or when symptoms are mild, many people can fully recover by adjusting their diet or lifestyle habits, without experiencing any spread of the condition. However, if left to develop over a long period, the symptoms might worsen. It is necessary to avoid spicy, highly flavorful, or irritating foods, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle free of anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, and bad moods. Upon noticing symptoms, it is advisable to consult the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. There, doctors can make a comprehensive diagnosis and create a treatment plan. With long-term adherence, the condition is entirely treatable.

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Written by Liu Gang
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Can alopecia areata be cured after two years?

If alopecia areata has not improved after two years, it may be related to one's treatment plan or dietary and lifestyle habits. Some individuals might not have received treatment or used improper treatment methods. Consuming spicy and heavily flavored foods, enduring prolonged periods of staying up late, feeling anxious or stressed, or having poor physical health could all potentially contribute to persistent alopecia areata. It is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital to examine the hair follicles to see if there is any atrophy or necrosis. If the hair follicles are found to be atrophied or necrotic, the treatment will be more challenging. Generally, the most conventional treatment involving oral medication along with topical applications must be complemented by proper dietary and lifestyle habits. With long-term treatment, it is entirely possible to fully recover. It is essential to maintain a good mood, engage in regular exercise, and boost the immune system.