The best treatment for alopecia depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's specific needs. There are several treatment options available for both adults and children with alopecia areata:
- Medications : Over-the-counter medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) are available for treating pattern (hereditary) baldness
. For severe cases of alopecia areata, medications such as baricitinib and ritlecitinib have been approved by the FDA
. These medications are taken orally and help suppress the immune cells that attack hair follicles, allowing hair to regrow
- Hair transplant surgery : In cases of permanent hair loss, hair transplant surgery can be an option. This procedure involves removing hair from a part of the head with hair and transplanting it to the affected area
- Contact immunotherapy : Also known as topical immunotherapy, this treatment aims to get the immune system to stop attacking hair follicles. Success in growing hair ranges from 17% to 75%
- Steroid injections : Steroids can be injected into the scalp to suppress the immune cells that attack hair follicles, allowing hair to regrow
- Topical irritants : For more severe cases, a dermatologist may recommend using a topical irritant like squaric acid, which causes a rash similar to poison ivy. The resulting inflammation seems to subvert the immune system's attack on the hair follicles, but this treatment can be uncomfortable for the patient, causing redness and itchiness
It is essential to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific case of alopecia areata.
