Minoxidil is applied at home, once or twice a day, to help stimulate hair regrowth on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard area. There are 2% and 5% topical minoxidil solutions. They are often used in combination with topical corticosteroids. This medication is considered easy to use.
Betamethasone valerate
Studies show that, when combined with Minoxidil, it can be an effective treatment for alopecia areata [7]. Betamethasone is available as a specially formulated scalp lotion or scalp foam. These are the best ways to treat scalp conditions and hair loss with this type of topical steroid.
Minoxidil (Rogaine®): Minoxidil is a topical drug that treats male and female pattern baldness. It usually takes about 12 weeks of treatment before your hair begins to grow. Some side effects include headache, scalp irritation and unusual hair growth.
Traditional treatments for alopecia areata include steroids that are either injected or applied directly (creams or liquids) to the areas where the hair has been shed. Steroids suppress the immune cells that are attacking hair follicles, so hair can regrow.
A common treatment plan involves applying a corticosteroid to regrow your hair and later minoxidil (Rogaine®) to keep the hair that's regrown. Children 10 years old and younger: In children, hair may regrow without treatment.
Minoxidil is a topical solution that you rub directly onto your scalp. It's available OTC and doesn't require a prescription.
Intralesional steroids are the first-line treatment in localized conditions and are usually superior to topical corticosteroids. In a study including 84 patients, regrowth on treated areas was present in 92% of patients with patchy alopecia areata and 61% of patients with alopecia totalis.
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.
LITFULO® (ritlecitinib) is the first FDA-approved treatment for adolescents ages 12 and up. Approved in June 2023, LITFULO is a once-daily medication for the treatment of severe alopecia areata.
Dermovate® cream (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) 30g
Potent topical steroids such as Dermovate® cream can be successfully applied to small areas of hair loss on the scalp. This needs to be applied once daily for 12-weeks to assess if a response is achieved.
While the active ingredients in Vicks Vaporub have been shown to have properties that can help stimulate blood circulation and open up pores and follicles on their own, there is no scientific proof that using actual Vicks Vaporub will promote hair growth.
While Vaseline could moisturize your hair and scalp, there's currently no evidence to suggest that it stimulates hair growth. There's also no evidence that Vaseline protects against hair loss conditions like male pattern baldness.
This randomized clinical trial involving children and adolescents with alopecia areata demonstrated that treatment with topical clobetasol, 0.05%, led to clinically significant hair regrowth at 24 weeks, compared with treatment with topical hydrocortisone, 1%.
The most common options include: Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. To be most effective, apply the product to the scalp skin once daily for women and twice daily for men.
Injected corticosteroids — This method of treatment is often recommended for adults with isolated patches of hair loss. The medication is injected directly into the affected area to stimulate hair regrowth.
This type of baldness is not usually caused by a disease. It is related to aging, heredity, and changes in the hormone testosterone. Inherited, or pattern baldness, affects many more men than women. Male pattern baldness can occur at any time after puberty.
Good scalp hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of alopecia areata as well. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners that are free from harsh chemicals. Also, avoid excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles since they can strain the hair follicles. Lastly, protect your scalp from sun exposure.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
Cedarwood, lavender, thyme, and rosemary oils have hair growth–promoting properties. These oils have been anecdotally used to treat alopecia for more than 100 years.
Background: Approximately 30% to 40% of alopecia areata (AA) patients have atopic dermatitis. Studies suggest that antihistamines and dupilumab may be effective treatments; however, the potential benefit of these therapies as either adjunct or monotherapy has yet to be elucidated.
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.