Alopecia AREATA
HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS
Is there a cure for Alopecia Areata hair loss?
 There is
not a cure for alopecia areata but there are drugs approved for its
treatment. Doctors try several medications approved for promoting hair
growth, but none cure the disease. Consult your doctor about the best
option for you.
What medication is used to treat Alopecia Areata
hair loss?
Steroids, Corticosteroids,
anti-inflammatory drugs are often used in the treatment of various
autoimmune diseases, including alopecia areata. Corticosteroids may be
given as injections of steroids directly into the patches on the scalp
or the effected area. It takes about 4 weeks for new hair growth to
become visible, if there is any growth. Side effects of injections may
be mild swelling, changes in pigmentation, or small indentations in the
skin that go away when injections are stopped. Injections usually have
to be repeated monthly. Large areas cannot be treated, because the
discomfort and the amount of medicine become too great, with risk of
side affects of hypertension and cataracts may occur.
Corticosteroids taken by mouth may be used in more extensive alopecia
areata. But because of the risk of side effects of oral corticosteroids,
such as hypertension and cataracts, they are used only occasionally for
alopecia areata and for shorter periods of time.
Ointments
containing steroids rubbed directly onto the affected area are preferred
for children. However, corticosteroid creams are less effective than
injections; they work best when combined with other topical treatments,
such as minoxidil.
| 