Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of multiple skin diseases, including different scarring alopecias: lupus erythematosus, frontal fibrosing alopecia, pseudopelade of Brocq, lichen planopila- ris,2 and follicular mucinosis.
Hydroxychloroquine has been reported as variably effective in inducing significant hair regrowth in adults with alopecia areata.
How long does it take for hydroxychloroquine to start working? Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a notoriously slow acting drug. It is frequently used for treating scarring alopecia. It can take 2 months or more before the drug really starts to have an effect and actually help a patient using the drug.
Baricitinib oral tablets — developed by Eli Lilly and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year — is the first systemic treatment for alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata (AA) occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicle. Studies have shown a relationship between AA and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D should be supplemented if levels are low.
There is currently no cure for alopecia areata, although there are some forms of treatment that can be suggested by doctors to help hair re-grow more quickly. The most common form of alopecia areata treatment is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system.
Serious side effects
muscle weakness, cramps, stiffness or spasms, or changes in how your skin feels such as tingling. frequent infections with a high temperature, sore throat or mouth ulcers. bruising that happens more easily than usual.
It can interact with heart rhythm medications, diabetes medications, seizure medications, and digoxin. And it shouldn't be taken with remdesivir because it can make remdesivir less effective. Talk to your healthcare provider and pharmacist about whether you're at risk for hydroxychloroquine interactions.
You can take hydroxychloroquine for a long time if it's working for you, but your doctor will monitor you while you're taking it. For example you may have regular full blood counts (tests to check the types and numbers of cells in your blood) and eye examinations.
Prescription-strength corticosteroids in liquid form can be applied directly to the scalp. This is often an effective treatment for children affected by alopecia areata. Corticosteroid injections into areas of patchy hair loss on the scalp may help revive hair growth within several weeks in people with alopecia areata.
Causes of Alopecia Areata
In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation. Researchers do not fully understand what causes the immune attack on hair follicles, but they believe that both genetic and environmental (non-genetic) factors play a role.
“Alopecia areata may be reversed through diet, possibly with antioxidants or an anti-inflammatory diet, probiotics, zinc, biotin and healthy oils,” Kimberly Langdon, MD, an OB/GYN based in Ohio who works at Medzino, tells WebMD Connect to Care.
Hydroxychloroquine is one of the most frequently used drugs in dermatology with a wide variety of uses due to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and metabolic actions and low side effect profile.
Is there a permanent cure for alopecia? Not currently. However, there are several treatment options that might slow down hair loss or even help your hair grow back faster.
Injections of corticosteroids: To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist will inject this medication into the bald areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between hydroxychloroquine and Vitamin D3.
Its main side effects are gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps), skin rash, headache, dizziness, and ocular toxicity. However, serious side effects including arrhythmia, bronchospasm, angioedema, and seizures can rarely occur.
Due to its cost‐effectiveness, safety and efficacy, HCQ is especially used in rheumatic autoimmune disorders (RADs), such as systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
Usually Plaquenil related hair loss starts 2-6 months after the Plaquenil was started. We call this a drug induced telogen effluvium.
Hydroxychloroquine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
“It's all to do with the menthol and eucalyptus which can be found in Vicks,” she says. “These ingredients won't cause hair that has been lost to traction alopecia or female pattern hair loss to regrow, but they may help existing hair to grow in length although we wouldn't recommend putting Vicks onto scalps.
Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil has been found to stimulate new hair growth and can even be used to treat androgenetic alopecia. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil into a carrier oil, like argan oil or jojoba oil, and massage it into your hair and scalp before rinsing. You can do this a few times per week.
Nutritious foods such as fruit and leafy greens can also prevent hair loss and stimulate healthy hair growth. “One natural treatment option for androgenic alopecia for men and women is injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP).