Understanding Hair Loss Caused By Alopecia

Alopecia Areata is a very common form of hair loss, though it is not completely understood by medical science. There are three types of alopecia. Alopecia Areata occurs when the hair falls out in patches throughout the body. Alopecia Totalis caused all the hair to fall from the scalp in a very short amount of time. Alopecia Universalis is when the hair is lost from the head, face, and body all at the same time.

Blood tests are used to diagnose Alopecia. Tests are also conducted to check hormone levels in the blood. After the diagnosis is made, treatment can be addressed for causes that are very mild.

Treatment for Alopecia Areata

Most hair loss that fits into the category of Alopecia Areata can be treated as long as it is diagnosed early. The treatment for hair loss caused by Alopecia involves Minoxidil applied to the area daily. The Chinese herb he shou wu and the use of an aloe vera gel can also be beneficial. A licensed profession may prescribe cortisone injections for the scalp. Creams and lotions can be used, but they are less effective than the injections.

These treatments can be very effective for treating hair loss caused by Alopecia. However, some individuals are disappointed by the results they get. The treatment is more effective if the disease is caught early. There may be other health issues involved that have lead to the hair loss occurring. Individuals suffering from hair loss need to consult a physician to rule out other possible medical issues.

Alternatives Available

Those individuals who suffer from severe hair loss caused by alopecia, there is the option of obtaining a surgical replacement for lost hair. This process is expensive and painful so it should only be viewed after other options have been considered. Many herbal remedies are also known to be beneficial. Be careful when choosing products to use. Make sure they are not fraudulent. The FDA does not endorse herbal products and some companies tend to misrepresent the facts in their promotions of such products.

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