How is alopecia treated?

There is no doubt that hair loss, known as alopecia, can be a challenge that affects self-confidence and emotional peace. This condition awakens a feeling of powerlessness and frustration, so the question that demands an immediate answer is often asked: How is alopecia treated?

Fortunately, the field of alopecia treatment is full of innovations and diverse approaches. There are a number of options that promise the return of hair and a smile, from traditional methods to modern medical solutions.

In this text, we will explore the different strategies and tactics that people use in the fight against alopecia.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is, in fact, the medical term for hair loss.

There are different types of alopecia, and the causes can be varied, including genetic predispositions, autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes, infections, stress, and other factors. Alopecia can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body where hair growth normally exists.

Hair grows in cycles, and each cycle consists of:

• Long growth phase (anagen): lasts from 2 to 6 years.
• Short transitional phase (catagen): lasts about 3 weeks.
• Short resting phase (telogen): lasts 2 to 3 months.
• At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out (exogen), and the cycle begins again as new hair starts to grow in the follicle. It is normal for about 50 to 100 hairs on the scalp to reach the end of the resting phase and fall out every day.

Alopecia areata – patchy hair loss

When hair falls out in patches, it is most likely a form of alopecia known as alopecia areata. This type of hair loss is characterized by hair falling out in localized areas, usually in irregular circles or ovals, known as "patches" of baldness.

This phenomenon can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body.

Although patchy alopecia can be a cosmetic challenge, most cases are not associated with other serious health problems. However, the impact on emotional well-being can be significant, especially if the hair loss is pronounced.

What causes Alopecia areata?

This form of alopecia has an autoimmune character. This means that the immune system mistakenly identifies its own hair follicles as a threat and attacks them, resulting in hair loss. Some experts suggest that genetic factors, along with emotional stress or certain infections, may contribute to the development of alopecia areata.

One of the specificities of alopecia areata is its unpredictable behavior. For some people, hair loss may be temporary and limited to small areas, while for others it may affect larger areas of the scalp or even the entire body surface.

How long does Alopecia areata last?

The duration of alopecia areata can vary significantly among individuals. For some people, it can be temporary and the hair can return spontaneously, while for others it can be long-lasting or even permanent. In many cases, hair begins to recover within a few months.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men, but it can also occur in women. This type of alopecia has a genetic basis and is associated with the sensitivity of hair follicles to hormones known as androgens, the most important of which is dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Key characteristics of androgenetic alopecia include:

• Genetic predisposition: Hereditary factors play a key role. If you have family members with a similar problem, the likelihood of experiencing this type of hair loss increases.
• Hormonal component: In sensitive hair follicles, DHT can shorten the hair's life cycle, making it thinner and shorter until it eventually stops growing.
• Progressive character: It usually has a gradual course. In men, it involves a receding hairline and thinning on top of the head. In women, it often manifests as diffuse thinning all over the scalp.

Main causes of hair loss

Alopecia or hair loss can have various causes that can vary from genetic factors to external influences:

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorders.
• Autoimmune diseases: Such as alopecia areata.
• Stress: Severe physical and emotional stress can cause telogen effluvium, forcing hairs into the resting phase.
• Infections & Medications: Fungal scalp infections or medications like chemotherapy agents or antidepressants.
• Improper diet: A lack of essential nutrients, iron, zinc, and vitamins directly stops hair growth.

Beard alopecia

Beard alopecia is a condition in which there is a loss of hair on the beard. This can result in a partial or complete absence of the beard, creating irregularities or empty patches. Causes can include genetic factors, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, or infections. Visiting a dermatologist can determine the exact cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Alopecia Treatment and Best Supplements

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hair loss. Options include topical medications (Minoxidil), corticosteroid injections, light therapy, laser therapy, and surgical interventions (hair transplant).

To support hair growth from the inside out, nutritional support is absolutely essential. At Apoteka Online, we highly recommend the following targeted dietary supplements: