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How Is Alopecia Treated?

Treatment doesn’t always work. The health care provider may suggest a liquid medication (minoxidil) to put on areas with alopecia. It may help hair regrow but its effects vary greatly. The health care provider may sometimes inject medicine (anti-inflammatory steroids) into small areas with alopecia.

Hair transplants can restore hair, and wigs and hair weaves may reduce the look of alopecia.

For alopecia on the scalp, the health care provider can use scalp reduction therapy. In this therapy, the health care provider removes a strip of scalp about every few weeks until edges of hair meet, or until scalp tissue becomes too thin.

Men with male pattern baldness can take finasteride (Propecia^R), a prescription drug taken by mouth, to minimize alopecia and promote regrowth of hair.

An illness causing alopecia, such as infection, ringworm, anemia, and hormone imbalance, will need treatment. Alopecia with reversible causes, such as pregnancy and stress, usually stops, and new hair grows, but this may take several months.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Alopecia:

• DO bathe and shampoo as usual.
• DO be sure to follow your doctor’s advice if you have anemia or thyroid problems.
• DO avoid alkaline pH shampoos.
• DO pat your hair dry rather than rubbing it with a towel.
• DO use a comb rather than a brush, and avoid brushing your hair excessively when it is wet.
• DO use a conditioner for easier combing.
• DO call your health care provider if signs of infection appear after treatment with steroid injections. These signs include redness, swelling, tenderness, and warmth at the site of injections.
• DO consider wearing a hairpiece or wig if you think this improves how you look.

• DON’T tug on normal hair close to areas of alopecia.
• DON’T damage your hair by bleaching, permanent waving, straightening, using hot combs or overly hot dryers, or excessive sun exposure.