Alopecia Treatment: Know Causes, Symptoms, And New Treatments

Nothing is more discouraging and overwhelming than excessive hair loss. What’s more stressful is that there is no one treatment that works for everyone. However, depending on the type of alopecia, age, and extent of hair loss, there are variety of treatments available. The aim is to block the immune system attack and stimulate regrowth of hair. For people with more than 50% hair loss on their scalp or other parts of the body can opt for oral medication. Moreover, there are topical treatments and light treatments or phototherapy are available. However, before taking any medication, it is crucial to know the type of alopecia.

Know everything there is about alopecia

Alopecia is an umbrella term used for hair loss and refers to several types of alopecia. Alopecia is commonly categorized as non-scarring and can be reversible in some cases. The condition varies from patients to patients. Statistically, alopecia occurs in around 40% of women and 50% of men before age 50.

Alopecia is an auto-immune disease or in layman’s terms, the body attacks its own cells, mistaking them for foreign invaders. Experts still do not know the actual cause of alopecia, but many suspect genetics and various environmental factors. The most recognizable symptom is extensive hair loss, thinning of hair, and bald patches. The minor and rare symptoms that are often observed are scalp bumps and rashes, pain, or burning.

Can alopecia be treated?

There are a few types of alopecia that cannot be cured. Moreover, most types can be contained with medications and could help in regrowth of hair. The success of the medication depends largely on the cause. Telogen effluvium, one type of alopecia that occurs due to a stressor can be recovered within 6-12 months without any dedicated medication.

There are several medications such as minoxidil that are widely used for male pattern hair loss and other types of hair loss condition. However, any medication should be taken after consulting a dermatologist. The majority of the medications aim to block hormones that cause hair thinning and stimulate hair growth. Intensive medications include hair transplant and laser treatment. The increased demand for laser treatment and hair transplant has boosted the growth of the global alopecia treatment market. According to Allied Market Research, the alopecia treatment industry is expected to reach $3.93 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2019 to 2026.

Recently, a group of researchers at North Carolina State University state that they have invented a new and effective solution to stimulate hair growth. The published study claim that this solution is more effective as well as permanent than treatments that usually used. According to the study, hair growth depends on dermal papillae cells and if we somehow manage to replenish these cells in the areas of hair loss, it is possible to reverse hair loss.

However, such studies are yet to be proved. Moreover, there is no such one-size-fits-all solution to treat alopecia. Thus, before undergoing any medication and intensive therapy, consult a dermatologist, and find out the right type, cause of alopecia.

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