Alopecia areata, or AA, is hair loss related to autoimmune dysfunction, and occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out, often in patches. AA affects up to two percent of Americans over the course of their lives, the American Academy of Dermatology reports, and causes total loss of scalp hair or total loss of scalp and body hair in five percent of those affected. AA affects both men and women and often begins in childhood. Hair follicles affected by alopecia areata can grow again if properly stimulated, and in some cases, may even produce new hair growth after many years, without treatment.
Corticosteroids
Because corticosteroids suppress the immune system, they're often used to treat alopecia areata. In mild cases of less than 50 percent hair loss, corticosteroid injections every three to six weeks directly into the bald spots may stimulate new hair growth within four weeks, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation states. However, new patches will still appear and need further treatment. For more severe hair loss of 50 percent of greater, oral corticosteroids have a stronger effect on the immune system, but also have significant side effects. Topical treatments applied directly to the head may be less traumatic for children, but also don't work as well as injections or systemic treatments.
Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil 5 percent, sold commercially as Rogaine, can result in new hair growth after around twelve weeks in the scalp, brow and beard areas, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Minoxidil is safe for children, as well as adults. Topical minoxidil isn't effective for use in people with total hair loss. The 2 percent form also doesn't help hair loss from alopecia areata.
Anthralin
Anthralin, a tar-like topical application used to treat the autoimmune skin condition psoriasis, alters immune function in the scalp and can grow new hair in eight to twelve weeks in some people. The solution is applied for 20 to 60 minutes to avoid skin irritation, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease explains. Combining anthralin treatments with minoxidil or corticosteroids can increase effectiveness.
Topical Immunotherapy
Topical immunotherapy involves application of chemicals, such as diphencyprone (DPCP), dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), or squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE), which irritate the scalp and produce an itchy allergic rash. These drugs, also known as topical sensitizers, may stimulate new hair growth in around 12 months. While widely available in Canada and Europe, these treatments are not easily found in the United States, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation states.
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