Halting Alopecia Areata Hair Loss Progression

Understanding Alopecia Areata and What Triggers Hair Loss

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face and sometimes other areas of the body. With alopecia areata, the body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing them to abruptly stop hair production. This results in smooth bald patches where hair falls out and does not grow back.

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

Researchers don't yet fully understand what triggers alopecia areata, but it likely involves genetics and environmental factors. There seems to be some overlay with other autoimmune disorders like thyroid disease, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. Stress and traumatic events may also trigger the first onset of alopecia areata.

Types of Alopecia Areata

There are several forms alopecia areata can take, including:

• Patchy - coin-sized bald spots on the scalp or beard area
• Totalis - total hair loss on the head
• Universalis - entire body hair loss including eyebrows, eyelashes and pubic hair
• Ophiasis - band-like hair loss around the sides and back of the scalp

What Does Alopecia Areata Look Like?

The most common presentation of alopecia areata manifests as round bald patches where hair falls out. These smooth patches appear fairly rapidly and may start small then expand wider. The borders around areas of hair loss appear like exclamation points with tapered thinning spots.

Stopping Alopecia Areata Hair Loss from Spreading

While alopecia areata can be unpredictable, difficult to control and frustrating to deal with, there are measures one can take to reduce spread of hair loss. It takes diligence, consistency and sometimes trying combinations of lifestyle changes and treatments.

Reducing Stress Levels

Since stress may impact alopecia areata for some people, practicing regular relaxation techniques can provide benefit. Activities like meditation, deep breathing, journaling, yoga, exercise, spending time in nature and getting a massage help mitigate daily life stresses. Consider seeking counseling for traumatic triggers or anxiety interfering with daily life.

Avoiding Traumatic Hairstyling

Trauma to the scalp hair follicles can worsen alopecia areata hair loss. Avoid hairstyles that pull tightly on hair roots which can inflame the scalp skin and disrupt struggling hair follicles. Skip harsh chemical straighteners, perms, bleaches, hair dye and aggressive heated tools that chemically and physically damage the scalp.

Regrowing Hair with Minoxidil

Applying topical minoxidil 5% foam or solution directly on areas of alopecia areata helps stimulate regrowth for some people. This over-the-counter treatment available under the brand name Rogaine opens up blood vessels around follicles and extends the growth phase so hair gets longer and thicker. For best absorption, use the foam version twice daily exactly as directed.

Exploring Immunosuppressants

For individuals struggling with rapidly spreading patchy alopecia areata hair loss, oral immunosuppressants may be an option. Medications like prednisone, methotrexate, cyclosporine and azathioprine calm an overactive immune system attacking the hair follicles. Prescribed short-term in reducing doses, they allow hair to recover and start regrowing again. It is vital to closely monitor for potential side effects under a doctor’s supervision when taking these powerful drugs.

Undergoing Low Level Light Therapy

Exposing areas of hair loss to red light and near infrared wavelengths helps spur dormant follicles back into action. These special wavelengths activate cellular processes involved in hair growth while reducing inflammation. Daily at-home low level light therapy devices like caps and combs offer convenience and have demonstrated effectiveness. In-office laser light treatments also available provide concentrated therapeutic doses. Used consistently for at least 16 weeks, light therapy helps stabilize hair loss and amplify other treatments.

Considering Supplements

Some key nutrients important for hair health may influence alopecia areata activity. Taking a supplement with antioxidants like vitamin E, selenium, zinc, vitamin C plus B-complex vitamins ensures adequate intake of compounds that nurture hair follicles and deter inflammation. Choose a reputable brand dosing correct amounts known to benefit hair based on clinical data rather than mega-doses.

Coping with Alopecia Areata Emotionally

The emotional burden of losing hair can negatively impact one’s self-image and quality of life. But there are constructive ways of coping with changes in appearance from alopecia areata emotionally and socially while continuing to seek solutions.

Seeking Social Support

Connect with others privately dealing with alopecia areata or more publicly by joining alopecia support groups. Hearing stories of how others handle school, work, relationships and personal challenges with bald spots or thinning hair provides reassurance. Bonding over shared experiences builds camaraderie and makes the journey less lonely.

Embracing Hats and Headwear

On bad hair days when patchy spots seem unmanageable, stylish hats help. From wide-brim fedoras and cloches to colorful beanies and turbans – injection some flair into disguising thin areas. Seek stores specializing in headwear for people with hair loss that offer fashion-forward options made for full coverage on all gender expressions.

Trying Cosmetic Cover Ups

Using makeup on areas of facial hair loss hides visible patches while allowing self-expression. Color-matching skin camouflaging balms seamlessly disguise eyebrows and eyelashes if totally missing. False fiber eyebrow cosmetics easily brush and adhere on to replicate full, natural-looking brows. Consult with a makeup artist skilled working with alopecia clients on best concealment approaches.

Considering Advanced Hair Systems

For those with extensive, stubborn hair loss significantly impacting self-confidence, customized hair systems bring relief. High-quality wigs and hairpieces manufactured with lace bases and natural fibers fully restore the look of hair permanently gone. Made just for each person, customized hair prosthetics integrate properly with existing hair for imperceptible augmentation able to be styled freely.

When to See a Doctor for Alopecia Areata

While alopecia areata usually resolves spontaneously, rapidly expanding bald spots warrant medical assessment. If over 30% scalp coverage hair loss occurs within a couple months, systemic treatment intervention might prevent reaching totalis or universalis stages. Seek evaluation also if experiencing hair loss elsewhere like the eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair which hints at a more serious condition. Reporting additional autoimmune symptoms helps doctors make appropriate referrals as needed.

Overall Alopecia Areata Prognosis

Around half those with less than 50% scalp hair loss regrow a full head of hair without intervention in under a year as the condition goes dormant. But for poor prognosis cases with long duration, early age of onset or over 50% loss, odds drop to 10-30% chance of complete regrowth. Getting patchy alopecia areata under control quickly raises hopes for stabilization and recovery.

Implementing stress and hair damage reduction techniques, using topical and oral medications as prescribed, undergoing light treatments plus taking nutritional supplements stacks the deck in favor of stopping alopecia areata progression. While emotionally difficult coping with at times, taking action empowers moving forward in a positive direction.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.