Your hair is one of the first things people notice when they meet you for the first time. It can make or mar your attempt at a good first impression, and as such, you should be deliberate about hair grooming.

But paying such close attention to your hair means that you’d also notice the significant changes that occur as your hair undergoes various growth stages. And if you begin to see that your hair is falling out, it may mean that you have alopecia areata.

Now, don’t freak out. It’s a condition that can be managed and treated, depending on the type. But what is Alopecia Areata, and how can I treat it? We’d answer these questions and more in this article.

All You Need to Know About Alopecia Areata 

Alopecia Areata is the name medical personnel call hair loss. It means that your hair is falling out from either a part of your head or someplace in your body. Alopecia Areata can be mild or severe, and treatment is usually customized to suit individual situations.

It’s an autoimmune disease, and as such, occurs when the body mistakes healthy hair cells for foreign bodies and starts attacking them. If you have alopecia areata, you’re susceptible to other auto-immune diseases too.

There are different types of Alopecia Areata:

1. Alopecia Areata 

Alopecia means “bald,” and areata means “patch.” Put together; Alopecia Areata means that the hair falls out in patches instead of going bald completely.

2. Alopecia Universalis 

This is total hair loss in all parts of the body. It affects every part of the body with hair, including the nostrils, eyelashes, and pubic areas. Doctors don’t know the cause of alopecia Universalis, but they suspect that stress is a major culprit.

3. Alopecia Totalis 

Like Alopecia Universalis, Alopecia Totalis causes total hair loss, but on the scalp only. The scalp becomes bald.

Alopecia can be hereditary. It can also be caused by stress, but regardless of what causes your Alopecia, you can manage or treat it. You also shouldn’t believe the myth that washing your hair could make your alopecia worse. You can shampoo your hair like you typically do without fear.

What You Should Expect When Dealing With Alopecia Areata

There are many things to expect when you have alopecia areata, but we’d discuss five:

1. Your Nails May Be Affected Too 

Don’t think that alopecia areata affects the hair alone. Nail pitting may also be a symptom of the condition. Nail pitting causes holes in your fingernails or toenails and discolors them too.

2. Your Hair Can Fall Out in Patches 

Your hair loss pattern may be systemic or spontaneous, but typically, you should expect that your hair may fall out in patches.

3. You May Also Have Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) 

Some persons living with alopecia areata may notice eczema on their hair scalps too.

4. Unpredictable and Recurring Hair Loss and Regrowth 

You may notice that your hair will grow back on its own, only to fall out again, repeatedly.

5. You May Itch

You may itch on your scalp or other parts of your body.

What Are The Best Treatments for Alopecia Areata?

There are a lot of options to choose from when treating alopecia areata. But with whatever treatment path you choose, you should be informed appropriately. Your treatment plan should also suit your specific needs and not cause you any further discomfort than you’re already experiencing.

Here are some of the best treatments for alopecia areata:

1. Medicine

Your doctor may prescribe some medication for your alopecia areata. These may include hair growth supplements that provide the right nutrients for hair regrowth. These can contain biotin, folic acid, and saw palmetto; 3 essential hair growth vitamins that improve scalp circulation and dispels DHT accumulation.

2. Hair Regrowth Shampoos and Conditioners 

While we’ve already established that you can still wash your hair as usual with shampoos and conditioners, you’d worsen your hair loss with the wrong products. Some shampoos and conditioners contain harsh ingredients that dry up your hair and cause further damage. So, make sure you are paying attention to the ingredient labels on the products you are purchasing.

3. Laser Therapy 

Laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure that is clinically proven to improve hair growth. This hair growth method is FDA-cleared, and it induces hair growth using the lower-level light treatment. All you need to do is wear the Kiierr Laser Hair Growth Cap for 30 minutes every day and you can see hair growth results in as little as 4-months.

4. Hair Transplant Surgery 

This is the most expensive Alopecia Areata treatment option. A hair transplant surgery replaces lost hair by removing hair from an unaffected part and placing them in the affected areas. This is an invasive procedure that requires professional attention.

Conclusion

Having Alopecia Areata shouldn’t get you panicky. Instead, try any of the treatments discussed above and grow your hair back in no time. They’re some of the most effective treatments we know, be sure to thank us later!