TREATMENT FOR ALOPECIA AREATA

HOW DERMATOLOGIST DIAGNOSE ALOPECIA AREATA

Some dermatologists in London make a diagnosis of alopecia areata by studying hair loss. A few strands of hair may be pulled out by a doctor and studied under a microscope if the patch of hair loss keeps expanding.

The confirmation that the disease is alopecia areata is usually gotten after a biopsy has been carried out. The biopsy is usually carried out in a dermatology clinic London by a dermatologist. The dermatologist removes a little piece of skin to study it under a microscope.

If the dermatologist suspects the presence of another autoimmune disease, a blood test may be necessary.

Our dermatologists are good at diagnosing and treating this disease. Call us now and book your appointment on 020 71833648

HOW DERMATOLOGIST TREAT ALOPECIA AREATA

Alopecia areata cannot be cured, though, hair may grow again on its own. Some treatments can enhance the hair to regrow. One of the following treatments can be recommended by the dermatologists to make your hair grow again quickly:

• The use of corticosteroids: this medicine helps in suppressing the immune system. Dermatologists may inject this medicine into the patches of hair loss or prescribe a topical (one that can be applied on the skin) form of this medicine for the patient but rarely as pills. This medicine which may be in the form of an ointment, cream or lotion may be applied to the spots to help the hairs grow again.

The first line of treatment for adults is the injection which may be given in every 3-6 weeks. Hairs begin to grow 4 weeks or more after the last injection.

The topical corticosteroids are more effective in children, but in adults, they are less effective than the injections.

The side effects of this drug can be detrimental, and they are not readily prescribed by a dermatologist. Patients with a lot of bald patches often use pills for their treatment.

• Minoxidil: Minoxidil 5% is a drug that helps the hair re-grow. It can be used by both old and young, and it can be applied on the scalp, beards or brows. This medication is usually applied twice daily, and results are usually noticed after about 3 months. This treatment is usually supported by other treatments for best results.
• Anthralin: this treatment is called “a short contact therapy” by dermatologists. It is a tar-like substance that is usually applied to the skin for 20-60 minutes and then washed off to avoid irritation. This drug works by altering the immune function of the skin.
• Diphencyprone (DPCP): This medicine is usually applied to the bald spot of the patient, and it is known to cause a little allergic reaction like redness, itching and swelling. This reaction is believed to tricking the immune system into sending white blood cells to the scalp surface. These white blood cells fight the inflammation and open up the follicle, which allows hairs to start growing again. Visible results are usually noticed after 3 months of the treatment.

These treatments may be combined so that good results may be achieved within a shorter period. We advise you to ask your dermatologist about the side effect of your proposed treatment.

There have been some researches on scientists to upgrade the treatment of alopecia areata. They are working on medicines that can influence the functions of the immune system. They are also paying great attention to some light related therapies like a laser.

POSSIBLE OUTCOME

Hairs will re-grow on the bald spots of alopecia areata patients if the body is signalled the right way. Every treatment can work depending on the immune systems of the patients.

It is possible for the following to happen:

• Re-growth of hairs: Hairs can regrow and fall out again even without treatments. The loss of hair must occur at least once before alopecia areata leaves. Hair will always re-grow despite the kind of hair loss except for the hair loss that affects the whole body; hair may not easily grow again.

After the regrowth of hairs, the colour of the hair may be white or faded at first, but the original colour usually returns after some time.

• Its duration: some people experience the loss and re-growth of hairs for several years. Some people may never experience a reoccurrence of this disease while others may. The hairs may re-grow or fall at any time, and it cannot be predicted.
• The emotional effect: young people who suffer from this disease usually feel emotionally down because they see the hairs as a sign of healthy living.

This disease does not affect the total wellbeing and should not be a reason for one to stop chasing his or her dreams.

You can visit our dermatology clinic to obtain treatments for alopecia areata and other diseases. Visit us at First Floor, 117A Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 6AT, UK or call us for more information 020 71833648