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Alopecia Areata Cure
Research scientists are actively looking for a cure for alopecia areata. Even though there is no cure at the moment, treatment options are available to help hair grow back. It is important to note that while these treatment options may promote hair growth, none of them prevent new patches of hair loss or actually provide a cure. A few methods for minimizing the appearance of alopecia areata include using wigs, hats, and hair-colored powders or creams.
At this time, there is no cure for alopecia areata. However, research scientists are actively studying the disease. Although there is no cure, treatment options are available. Alopecia areata treatment involves using medications that are approved for other purposes to help hair grow back, at least temporarily. It is important to note that while these treatments may promote hair growth, none of them prevent new patches of hair loss or actually provide an alopecia areata cure. You should consult your healthcare professional about the best alopecia areata treatment option for you.
The course of alopecia areata is highly unpredictable. You may continue to lose hair, or your hair loss may stop. The hair you have lost may or may not grow back, and you may or may not continue to develop new patches of hair loss. Some people find that the condition occurs once and never recurs. The possibility for full re-growth of hair always remains. In some cases, initial hair re-growth is white, with a gradual return of the original hair color. However, in most cases, hair that re-grows is the same color and texture as the original hair.
Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, there are ways to minimize its effects on your appearance. Ideas include:
- Wearing a wig, hairpiece, scarf, or cap
- Using an eyebrow pencil to mask missing eyebrows
- Using a hair-colored powder, cream, or crayon applied to the scalp for small patches of hair loss to make the hair loss less obvious.
There are also some things you can use to reduce the physical dangers or discomforts of hair loss, such as:
- Using sunscreens for the scalp, face, and all exposed skin
- Wearing eyeglasses (or sunglasses) to protect eyes from sun, and from dust and debris, when eyebrows or eyelashes are missing
- Wearing wigs, caps, or scarves to protect the scalp from the sun and keep the head warm
- Applying antibiotic ointment inside the nostrils to help keep germs out of the nose when nostril hair is missing.
(Click Living With Alopecia Areata for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD