According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), alopecia areata (AA) is a rare autoimmune disease that occurs when certain hair follicles are erroneously harmed by the immune system, stopping normal hair growth. Alopecia areata causes a patchy loss of hair on the scalp or other parts of the body including the armpits, legs and eyelashes. Some people with AA may have minor pain or notice a prickly feeling in the affected area.
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) says alopecia areata strikes only 1 percent of the population, usually children. The cause of the condition is not completely understood, but the Mayo Clinic says some people may be genetically inclined to develop AA. The disease is commonly treated with steroids.
Injections
The exact treatment of alopecia areata will depend on the age of the sufferer and the severity of the condition. When AA has caused small areas of irregular hair loss, intralesional steroid injections (Kenalog) are often prescribed.
Kenalog is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
A tiny needle is used to inject Kenalog into the patches on the scalp that are affected by AA. The treatment is typically repeated on a monthly basis. New hair growth may be seen approximately four weeks following the injection. Kenalog may cause temporary pitting or dimpling of the skin.
Oral Tablets
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), corticosteroids also may be taken in pill form to treat alopecia areata. Doctors occasionally prescribe oral corticosteroid medication (prednisone/ Orasone, prednisolone/Prelone, among others) when hair loss is widespread. Possible side effects of corticosteroids are upset stomach, insomnia and weight gain.
Creams
Corticosteroids may also be applied directly onto the scalp as creams or ointments (fluocinolone acetonide, betamethasone dipropionate). Topical lotions, however, are generally not considered as effective as steroid injections. Dermatologists will usually try a less potent cream before resorting to stronger forms due to the potential for side effects including itching, dryness and general irritation.
