Alopecia areata is a hair loss condition caused by an immune system attack on the hair follicles. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that alopecia areata affects approximately 2 percent of the population in the United States. The condition typically causes episodic bouts of hair loss that affect the scalp and other skin surfaces with hair. Treatments for alopecia areata are geared toward quieting autoimmune activity associated with hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Corticosteroid Medications
Corticosteroid medications are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress immune system activity. Patchy hair loss due to alopecia areata may be treated with topical corticosteroid creams or ointments, or corticosteroid injections into the areas of hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, administration of steroid injections every three to six weeks into hairless patches often leads to hair regrowth. The academy notes that corticosteroid injections are more effective than topical creams or ointments. Extensive hair loss may respond best to short-term oral corticosteroid treatment. Side effects and potential complications from prolonged therapy with oral corticosteroids limits the use of this treatment approach.
Anthralin
Anthralin is a tar-like preparation applied to hairless areas to promote hair growth. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explains that anthralin alters immune activity within the skin, which may interfere with the disease process that underlies alopecia areata. Anthralin ointment or cream applied to the skin once daily may lead to hair regrowth in two to three months. Treatment time is limited to no more than 60 minutes per application to prevent skin irritation and staining. Anthralin treatment may be combined with other forms of alopecia areata therapy.
Topical Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil, which is commonly used to treat male and female pattern baldness, may help promote hair regrowth in people with alopecia areata, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Hairless patches on the scalp, beard and eyebrows may be treated with minoxidil solution, which is typically applied to the affected skin twice daily. Other forms of treatment are sometimes combined with use of topical minoxidil. Hair regrowth usually appears in approximately three months. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation notes that minoxidil is an ineffective form of treatment for people with complete loss of scalp hair, or alopecia totalis.
Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory medication used for the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that sulfasalazine may be used to treat severe alopecia areata.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Alopecia Areata
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Alopecia Areata
- National Alopecia Areata Foundation: Treatment for Alopecia Areata
- DermNet NZ: Alopecia Areata
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Alopecia Areata
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