Things to Avoid When You Have Alopecia Areata: Improve Coping & Symptom Management

Understanding Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes other areas of the body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and reduce hair production.

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

The exact triggers of alopecia areata are not fully understood. However, research suggests that it is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There may be an association with stress, viruses, hormone changes, and other autoimmune disorders. With alopecia areata, the hair loss is not permanent. The hair can regrow if the inflammation of the hair follicles subsides.

Common Symptoms

The main symptom is hair falling out in small, round patches. These patches can range in size – some can be unnoticeable while others can be several inches across. The hair loss occurs suddenly and the balding patches may keep expanding over time. Sometimes only a few patches develop; other times the person loses most or all scalp hair. Alopecia areata can occur on other parts of the body as well, like the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, and legs.

Things to Avoid with Alopecia Areata

While alopecia areata cannot be cured, there are treatments that may help hair regrow more quickly. There are also some things it’s recommended for people to avoid, as certain lifestyle factors and behaviors can worsen hair loss.

Avoid Hairstyles that Pull on the Hair

Any tight hairstyles should be avoided, such as ponytails, buns, cornrows or braids with pulling tension. Any traction that pulls on the scalp can put stress on hair follicles affected by alopecia areata. This constant tension can exacerbate the inflammation and cause more hair to fall out. Wearing the hair down loose is ideal.

Avoid Aggressive Hair Treatments

Chemical hair treatments and tools that significantly damage the hair and scalp should also be avoided. This includes:

Dyes, bleaches, perms
Relaxers, straighteners
Hot combs, curling irons, blowdryers on high heat

Damaging the hair further can worsen alopecia symptoms. It’s best to allow the hair and scalp to heal, avoiding any sources of damage.

Be Cautious With Supplements & Medications

Some supplements and medications have side effects that list hair loss or alopecia as potential risks. These may include:

Acne medications containing vitamin A (retinoids)
Blood pressure & heart medications
Mood stabilizers & antidepressants
Cholesterol lowering drugs
NSAID pain relievers

Check any prescription drugs and supplements for hair loss warnings. Consider consulting a doctor to explore alternative options or lowering doses if significant hair shedding occurs.

Manage Skin Irritations & Injuries

Any type of skin irritation, injury, infection or inflammation that affects the scalp should be treated and properly managed with care. This includes conditions like:

Seborrheic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Contact dermatitis
Folliculitis
Cuts, burns, insect bites

Leaving scalp issues untreated can only further strain hair follicles already weakened from alopecia areata. Proper skin care can help minimize added stress to hair growth.

Self Care for Managing Alopecia Symptoms

While some hair regrowth treatments may help, focusing on general health, diet, scalp care and managing stress levels can also make a meaningful difference when living with alopecia areata. Being proactive with self-care is empowering.

Eat a Nutritious Balanced Diet

Ensure you are eating a varied diet full of different vitamins, minerals and nutrients important for healthy hair:

Protein – meat, eggs, fish, beans, nuts
Iron – greens, red meat, lentils
Zinc – seafood, chickpeas, spinach
Biotin – organ meats, eggs, salmon
Antioxidants – fruits, vegetables

Take a broad spectrum multivitamin to help cover any nutritional gaps as well. Biotin and collagen supplements may provide added support.

Reduce Emotional Stress

Chronic stress takes a toll mentally and physically. Finding healthy coping strategies and making time for relaxing self-care activities can help:

Light exercise - walks, yoga, stretching
Calming practices – meditation, deep breathing
Engaging hobbies – reading, puzzles, gardening
Social connection – calling friends, community groups

Talk to a counselor if emotional struggles feel too much to manage alone.

Gently Stimulate Blood Flow to the Scalp

Improving blood circulation in the scalp may help nutrients reach hair follicles and aid healing. Some options:

Scalp massages with essential oils
Microneedling therapy
Soft brushing with a boar bristle brush
Warm oil treatments
Head stands / handstands

Be very gentle and careful not to scrape or scratch the scalp which can cause more irritation and hair loss.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

See a dermatologist promptly if your alopecia areata symptoms seem to be getting rapidly worse. There are treatment options that may help stabilize hair loss, reduce inflammation and spur regrowth. Common medical treatments may include:

Corticosteroid Injections

Injections of steroids like cortisone directly into balding patches on the scalp. This helps suppress immune activity attacking the hair follicles. Repeat injections may be needed monthly. Possible side effects include skin atrophy and soreness.

Oral Corticosteroids

Short term oral steroid medication such as prednisone may help hair regrow. Due to adverse effects, doctors closely monitor dosage and duration of treatment. Risks include high blood pressure, bone loss and weight gain.

Topical Immunotherapies

Medicated ointments and solutions can stimulate hair regrowth when gently rubbed into the scalp. These include drugs like topical corticosteroids, irritants and contact allergens. Rotate applications over different areas.

Other treatments like light therapy, platelet rich plasma, supplements, hair prosthetics or hair transplants may be considerations as well. Research all the latest medical and cosmetic options to find what treatments could be right for your individual alopecia needs and lifestyle.

Dealing with alopecia areata can be emotionally challenging. But avoiding things that can aggravate hair loss and scalp inflammation, while proactively focusing on diet, stress relief and care for the scalp will help in coping with symptoms. Being patient and working closely with your health providers leads to the best outcomes. Consistency with the regime they recommend is key when trying to manage this unpredictable condition.

FAQs

What are the first signs of alopecia areata?

The first signs are typically small, round bald patches developing suddenly on the scalp. The hair simply starts falling out in coinsized areas, sometimes expanding to larger patches over time as more hair is lost.

Is my hair loss permanent with alopecia areata?

No, hair loss from alopecia areata is rarely permanent. While there is currently no cure, hair has a chance of regrowing once the inflammation around hair follicles starts to resolve. However episodes of hair shedding may come and go unpredictably.

What vitamins help with regrowing hair lost from alopecia?

Some key vitamins and nutrients tied to supporting healthy hair growth include vitamin D, iron, folate, zinc and biotin. Taking a supplement with a combination of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and amino acids provides comprehensive nutritional support.

Can stress really make my alopecia areata worse?

Yes, high stress levels produce inflammatory hormones like cortisol that can suppress the immune system and exacerbate autoimmune conditions. Finding healthy ways to manage emotional stress is highly recommended to help minimize alopecia symptoms.

When will I start to see hair regrow with treatments?

It varies greatly for when alopecia treatments promote visible hair regrowth – anywhere from 1 to 12 months depending on the intervention.consistency with the prescribed regimen is vital and being patient through the regrowth process is key.