Alopecia areata, a condition that affects about 2 percent of the United States population, causes hair loss in round and smooth patches, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Alopecia areata may resolve on its own, it may last years or it may come and go for years. Even though alopecia areata isn't life threatening, some people with the condition may seek treatments to reduce the psychological effects of losing hair.
Treatments for Mild Cases
Mild and patchy alopecia areata that results in less than 50 percent of scalp hair loss, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, or NAAF. Treatments are available for mild alopecia areata, but not all treatments work in all cases. Monthly cortisone injections into bare patches are the most common treatment for mild alopecia, but twice daily application of 5-percent topical minoxidil solution and once daily application of anthralin cream or ointment may also help hair regrowth, according to NAAF.
Treatments for Extensive Cases
Extensive alopecia areata, which affects more than 50 percent of the scalp, has fewer treatment options than mild alopecia areata. However, topical immunotherapy, which involves applying chemicals to produce a rash, may aid in hair regrowth. Cortisone pills are occasionally used to treat extensive alopecia as well, but internal cortisone treatments are stronger and potentially more dangerous than cortisone injections, according to NAAF.
Treatment Time
The treatment time for alopecia areata depends on the prescribed treatment, and in some cases, treatments aren't effective. If cortisone injections are effective, they should cause new visible hair growth within four weeks, but they can't prevent new patches from showing up, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Anthralin cream or ointment may result in new hair growth within eight to 12 weeks, 5-percent topical minoxidil solution may cause new hair to grow within 12 weeks and topical immunotherapy may result in hair regrowth after approximately six months of treatment, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Cortisone pills may also result in hair regrowth within eight to 12 weeks.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects of alopecia areata treatments vary by treatment. For example, cortisone injections may result in mild side effects such as temporary skin depressions. Anthralin may irritate the skin and cause temporary discoloration in treated areas, but using shorter treatment sessions can reduce some risk. Oral corticosteroids carry the greatest risk because they work within the body. Within days of oral treatment, patients are at increased risk of complications such as higher blood pressure, mood swings and weight gain; long-term treatment may result in greater harms such as high blood sugar, increased risk of infection and menstrual irregularities, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Lifestyle Tips
Since treatments are unnecessary and alopecia areata generally resolves itself, some patients may opt to avoid treatments. Still, they may use makeup, wigs, hats and scarves to minimize or hide hair loss and to protect exposed skin from the elements, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Helpful habits such as reducing stress and eating a well-balanced diet may also promote hair regrowth.
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