Are you wondering why hair transplants don't work on those suffering from Alopecia Areata? You're not alone.
Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that while there have been some successes in treating alopecia areata, hair transplant isn't a viable solution for everyone.
In this article, we will explore why hair transplants don't work on alopecia-aerate sufferers and look at alternative treatments for those suffering from this condition.
Table of Contents:
- Understand Alopecia Areata
- Hair Transplants Not Effective for Alopecia Areata
- Alternative Treatments for Alopecia Areata
- Conclusion
Understand Alopecia Areata
The autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata, causes patches of hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body caused by an attack by the immune system on healthy hair follicles.
No external factors, such as stress or diet, are responsible for alopecia areata, and it is incurable.
The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to bald spots or even complete baldness in some cases. Alopecia areata can affect men and women of all ages, but it is more common in people under 30.
Although alopecia areata is more common in younger individuals. Alopecia areata has several different forms, including -
- Alopecia totalis (complete loss of head hair),
- Alopecia universalis (total loss of body hair),
- Male pattern baldness (thinning at the crown) and
- Female pattern baldness (thinning along the sides).
Additionally, there is a rare form called "alopecia areata incognita", which causes diffuse thinning throughout the entire scalp without any visible patchy areas.
Understanding the root cause of alopecia areata is essential for successful management. Unfortunately, no success has been seen in using hair transplants to combat alopecia areata.
When to Seek Professional Help
Hair shedding can be a frequent problem that may affect anyone, so it's essential to determine when professional help is necessary. If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning, especially if the cause is unknown, it's time to consult with a specialist.
If standard treatments fail to give satisfactory results after a few months, it may be wise to consult a dermatologist.
Taking action and getting an expert opinion is essential if you want to restore your hair's former glory.
Specialist assistance will identify what kind of alopecia you have. Once you've identified the cause, your doctor may recommend treatments depending on its severity and progression. Corticosteroid-containing creams or lotions may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair regrowth for patchy baldness of mild severity. However, if these methods fail, then more advanced treatments, such as injections with steroids directly into the scalp, might be an option.
For more extreme cases such as alopecia totalis or universalis, consulting a dermatologist specialising in treating conditions like this may be your best bet.
Are Hair Transplants Effective for Alopecia Areata?
Unfortunately, hair transplants are not effective in treating alopecia areata. However, other treatments are still available that may help reduce the symptoms of this condition.
Hair transplants are not a viable solution for treating alopecia areata, as the immune system prevents the hair follicles from growing new hairs.
Alternative Treatments for Alopecia Areata
Hair transplants may not be an option for those suffering from alopecia areata, but other treatments can help stimulate the regrowth of lost hair and improve scalp health.
Topical applications, such as corticosteroid creams, minoxidil solutions and anthralin ointments, may help to decrease inflammation in the affected area and stimulate new hair growth. Depending on individual response, these medications should be applied directly to the scalp twice daily for several weeks or months.
Phototherapy:
Phototherapy involves exposing the scalp to ultraviolet light using unique lamps or lasers, which helps reduce inflammation and stimulate the regrowth of hairs in some cases. This therapy typically requires multiple sessions, spread over several months, for best results.
Immunosuppressants:
Immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine A, effectively treat severe alopecia areata by suppressing the immune system's attack on healthy follicles and promoting new growth. Due to their potential side effects, immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporine A should only be taken orally under medical supervision if other treatments have been unsuccessful or in imminent permanent baldness.
Alternative Therapies:
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage therapy, hypnosis, meditation, and herbal supplements may also relieve symptoms associated with alopecia areata, including stress levels that can further exacerbate this condition.
While these therapies cannot reverse balding caused by this disorder, they may help reduce anxiety associated with it while providing additional benefits such as improved sleep quality and better overall well-being.
It is essential to speak with an expert before selecting any kind of treatment for alopecia areata, as various alternative therapies can offer relief. Getting expert advice is key to choosing the right action plan and preventing further thinning or baldness.
In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes such as avoiding stress and eating a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals may help prevent future episodes of alopecia areata attacks on your follicles. It's important to remember that no single treatment works for everyone, so it's best to consult your doctor about which options might work best for you based on your specific needs.
For those seeking a more permanent solution, consulting a specialist specialising in treating pattern baldness, such as MPB (Male Pattern Baldness) or FPB (Female Pattern Baldness), may be an option.
Takeaway: Hair transplants are not recommended for alopecia areata due to their unpredictable nature; however, alternative treatments such as minoxidil and light therapy can help slow down or stop further hair loss.
Conclusion
When considering a hair transplant, it is essential to understand the difference between alopecia areata and other forms of hair loss.
Unfortunately, hair transplants do not work on alopecia aerate; this condition requires alternative treatments such as topical steroids or immunotherapy injections. For alopecia areata sufferers, consulting with a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment is recommended.
If you are suffering from alopecia aerate and looking for a solution, contact the Harley Street Hair Clinic today to discuss your options. Our experienced team of experts can provide advice on how best to address this condition with hair therapies or alternative treatments.
