Alopecia Areata Treatment in Indore

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system of the body attacks the hair follicles in the wrong way, hence causing patches or, in some cases, the loss of hair. It is able to attack scalp hair, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or any other part of the body.

The condition may either be spontaneous or in cycles.

The Alopecia Areata process (Mechanism) occurs randomly.

Hair follicles are treated as foreign by the immune system and are attacked. This causes:

Periprostatic inflammation of the hair root.

Early halt in the growth of hair.

Weakening of the hair shaft

This is characterised by a sudden loss of hair in patches, round or oval.

Hair follicles are normally alive, and therefore hair can be regrown, though the loss and regrowth are not always the same in everyone.

Types of Alopecia Areata

1. Alopecia Areata (Patchy)

Most common type

Round or oval bald patches

2. Alopecia Totalis

Complete loss of scalp hair

3. Alopecia Universalis

Thinning of the hair on the whole body.

4. Ophiasis

Band-like loss of hair on either side and the back of the head.

Causes & Risk Factors

Autoimmune Reaction

The primary cause is the occurrence of an unnatural immune reaction against hair follicles.

Genetic Factors

Often runs in families

Associated with other autoimmune diseases.

Trigger Factors

These may also be the triggers of flare-ups, although not direct causes:

Severe stress

Viral infections

Hormonal changes

Nutritional deficiencies

Thyroid disorders

Allergies or atopic.

Symptoms

Sudden patchy hair loss

Smooth bald spots

Pale and burning in front of the hair falls.

Growth of hair that is initially fine, white and soft.

Pitting or ridging in fingernails is typical of many patients.

Diagnosis

Doctors may use:

Scalp (physical examination).

Pull test

Dermatoscopy (trichoscopy)

Blood examination to verify signs of autoimmune disorder, thyroid, Vitamin D, and iron.

Scalp biopsy (rarely needed)

Traditional Healthcare Intervention.

The condition can be self-limiting, but the subsequent treatments are normally employed:

Topical steroids

Kenalog intralesional steroid injections.

Topical immunotherapy (DPCP, SADBE)

Minoxidil

Oral steroid treatment (in the selected cases)

Newer medicines, which are under the supervision of specialists and are called JAK inhibitors, are also used.

Therapy is based on its severity, age and spread.

Lifestyle, Complementary and Supportive Care.

These are used to assist in maintaining good health, but are not to be substituted for medicines.

1. Nutrition & Diet

Food that is rich in nutrients helps the growth of hair and alleviates inflammation:

Iron-rich foods

Zinc, biotin, vitamins A, D, E

Omega-3 fatty acids

Foods that are anti-inflammatory (turmeric, leafy vegetables, fruits).

2. Stress Management

As stress may be a precipitating factor:

Yoga

Meditation

Breathing exercises

Proper sleep hygiene

3. Homeopathy, Ayurveda Integrative Medicine.

The latter can be beneficial in terms of emotional health, immunity, scalp health, and resilience in general when under the guidance of experienced practitioners. A large number of patients say that they have reduced stress levels, better digestion levels, healthier hair, and a decreased number of flare-ups, although they should be considered as an addition, rather than an alternative, to regular medical treatment in the case of widespread conditions.

Prognosis

Healing in several patients has been observed to regenerate in a few months.

Others could have repeated periods of loss and growth.

A low percentage can develop into a complete loss of hair.

Reduction of stress and early treatment lead to better results.

The hair follicles are generally alive, and hence they can be recovered.