Having shiny, black, thick, and lustrous hair on our scalp is a fantasy that most of us cherish, but it remains just a dream. While dandruff and dull or damaged hair can be handled with hair care products or salon visits, one of the more serious conditions that bother most of us is the loss of hair on various parts of the scalp. Some of you may have experienced hair loss occurring only in certain regions of the scalp in patches, and this is medically known as Alopecia Areata.
Alopecia areata is a disorder that causes the development of hairless patches on the scalp or any other hairy portion of the skin. It is a recurring, chronic, and autoimmune condition. The term “autoimmune disease” refers to a disorder in which the body assaults its immune system. One or more bald spots are most typically found on the scalp, although this ailment can also affect other hairy areas of the body, including the brows, eyelashes, face & beard portion, genital parts, and other body parts.
The name alopecia is derived from the Latin word for baldness, and the phrase ‘areata’ refers to patchy hair loss, which is a common sign of this disease. Alopecia areata can afflict anyone at any age, however, it is most frequent in childhood and adults. It is not a painful or crippling ailment, but it can have a significant impact on one’s personality, making it a source of embarrassment.
Alopecia Areata Causes:
Here are some common causes of this unpleasant condition of alopecia areata.
- Genetic Factors: Many genes involved in the body’s immunological response have been related to alopecia areata. HLA (Human leukocyte antigen) genes are in charge of altering the immune response and targeting hair follicles. Individuals suffering from this illness are frequently found to have another autoimmune disorder, other than alopecia areata, running in their families.
- Chemicals: Regular and long-term use of sulfur, ether, and paraben-based cosmetics, such as shampoos, conditioners, and serums, damage hair follicles, thereby causing hair fall and, subsequently, alopecia if not controlled promptly.
- Mechanical: Tying the hair tightly over an extended period causes the hairline to recede, resulting in traction alopecia.
- Hormonal Factors: Alopecia is associated with hormonal swings. A few cases of alopecia have been documented to develop during distinct periods of life where hormones play an active role. Alopecia areata has been linked to puberty, menopause, and childbirth.
- Fungal Infection: Scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis and tinea capitis, can cause patchy hair loss in the infected area. Hair grows back once the underlying fungal infection affecting the hair follicles is addressed, making this a reversible condition.
- Other autoimmune skin illnesses: Individuals suffering from psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and lichen planus are more likely to develop alopecia areata.
Alopecia Areata Symptoms
Here’s a quick rundown of common symptoms of alopecia areata.
- The top of the scalp starts gradually thinning. This is the most common type of hair loss that people suffer as they grow older. Men’s hair frequently begins to recede near the hairline on the brow. Normally, a woman’s hair section is widened. A receding hairline is a hair loss trend that is becoming more common in elderly women (frontal fibrosing alopecia).
- Bald areas that are round or spotty. Some persons have hair loss in the form of round or spotty bald spots on the scalp, beard, or brows. Your skin may become painful or unpleasant before your hair falls out.
- Hair loss that occurs suddenly. Hair may become loose as a result of physical or psychological trauma. Bunches of hair may drop out while brushing or washing your hair, as well as after gentle tugging in women. This type of hair loss usually results in overall hair thinning; however, it is only temporary.
- Hair loss throughout the body. Some medical conditions and treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in widespread hair loss. In most cases, hair regrows.
- Scaling patches that extend across the scalp. This is an indication of ringworm. It is occasionally associated with hair loss, redness, swelling, and leakage.
Alopecia Symptoms in Females
Find below some common signs of alopecia in females.
- The most frequent type of hair loss is gradual thinning on the top of the head. Women typically sense a broadening of their portion. Bald patches can be round or spotty. They can be the shape of coins and are typically found on the scalp. Your scalp may become painful or unpleasant before your hair falls out.
- You may encounter unexpected hair loss, particularly if you have experienced emotional or physical hardship. While washing or combing your hair, it may fall out quickly, resulting in general thinning.
- In some medical settings, particularly when undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy, you may have abrupt and total hair loss.
Homeopathy for Alopecia Areata
Homeopathy is an excellent treatment for alopecia areata, particularly in cases that are detected early and are mild to moderate in terms of severity.
Alopecia areata is an internal condition that requires internal immunological repair, which homeopathy can provide.
Homeopathy can effectively heal mild to moderate cases of alopecia areata. A timely diagnosis is critical for a successful recovery. Cases that are identified early and are not complicated by the presence of other autoimmune diseases have a fair chance of recovery. When compared to scarred alopecia, non-scarring alopecia has a broader range of therapeutic options. Children with alopecia have a far greater chance of recovery than adults. When compared to other forms of treatment, alopecia homeopathic treatment medicine provides the most long-term relief. It dramatically minimizes the likelihood of relapse in cases of alopecia that are discovered early.
Homeopathic medications, such as Phosphorus, Natrum muriaticum, Fluoric acid, Phosphoric acid, Lycopodium, Vinca minor, and others, can activate the body’s immune system, allowing it to efficiently combat the autoimmune condition of alopecia areata. There are around 40-50 medicines available to treat alopecia areata. It is not recommended that these medications be taken without a prescription.
If you observe or believe that you are losing more hair than you should, it is advisable to diagnose the problem and begin treatment as soon as possible. If you think of starting homeopathy treatment, have a word with experienced homeopathy practitioners and tell them about your symptoms so that they can diagnose the cause of your alopecia areata and work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits you the best for the best positive results.
So, if you experience thinning of hair, hair loss, or any symptoms of alopecia, count on homeopathy without a second thought to receive a natural, effective treatment and treat the condition safely without any side effects.