In most people, new hair eventually grows back in the affected areas, although this process can take months. Approximately 50 percent of people with mild alopecia areata recover within a year; however, most people will experience more than one episode during their lifetime.
People with alopecia areata may lose and grow back their hair more than once, either in the same patches as before or in different patches. Almost always the hair grows back. Very rarely, the hair loss is permanent. Alopecia areata also can affect the fingernails and toenails.
Scarring alopecia is permanent hair loss due to hair follicle destruction. In nonscarring alopecia, hair may fall out or get thinner, but your hair follicle isn't destroyed. So nonscarring alopecia may be temporary, and your hair can sometimes grow back.
There is no cure for alopecia areata—only treatment. In mild cases, hair usually grows back, sometimes on its own. However, if treatment is necessary, steroid injections and topical medications may be recommended. But there have been no reliably effective treatments for severe cases of alopecia areata until recently.
In some cases, hair is eventually lost from the entire scalp, called alopecia totalis. There is a progression to complete loss of body hair, a type of the disease called alopecia universalis. This is not common.
For patients who use treatments, there are several options. However, alopecia areata cannot be "cured." As noted above, most patients experience future episodes of hair loss.
In most small patches of alopecia areata, the hair regrows within 6 to 12 months. However, it's common for the problem to happen again.
While there is no cure, there are alopecia areata treatments that may help both adults and children with hair regrowth. The kind of treatment your doctor recommends depends on: The presentation (type or form) of your hair loss. The severity of hair loss (how much hair you have lost)
It's never too late to address your hair loss. No matter what stage you're in, there are solutions that can help.
Scalp massages with essential oils, application of onion or garlic juice, and the use of aloe vera gel are among the home remedies that individuals have explored. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet contributes to overall health, which can positively impact hair growth.
So dead hair follicles can look like a smooth, bald patch of skin or like a scar. A trichologist may be able to get a better view of your follicles by using a microscope or other trichological tools.
A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), possibly including severe stress.
Although alopecia areata can begin at any age, most individuals develop the disease early in life. More than 80% show signs of the disease before age 40, and 40% experience symptoms by age 20.
You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.
Fortunately, treatments can help regrow hair. Alopecia areata can be triggered by environmental factors like stress, injury, or illness.
The Verdict. So, can you reverse pattern alopecia? It's possible, yes, but only some individuals have regained their hair after proper treatment, and even those must continue their treatment regimen to maintain their hair restoration.
Alopecia areata hair growth signs appear as a gradual improvement in the density of hair within the bald spots. One clear indication of alopecia areata regrowth signs is new hairs beginning to sprout up where it was previously bald. This is a clear sign that the treatment of alopecia areata you're using is working.
The frequency of washing hair when experiencing hair loss varies, but it's generally advisable to maintain a clean scalp. Washing every 2-3 days is a good starting point, but consult with a hair specialist for personalised recommendations.
Other factors can increase the likelihood of alopecia becoming worse, including stress and illnesses, which can cause a flare-up. Some people might notice that eating certain foods contributes to their hair loss. Physical damage to your hair or scalp can also make your alopecia more likely to worsen.
Hairstyles that pull the hair tightly (such as braids, hair extensions or tight ponytails). Haircare that may cause damage due to processing (including perms and bleach). Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, childbirth or menopause). Medical treatment (such as chemotherapy and certain medications).