Alopecia areata is a disease that affects the hair follicles, which are part of the skin from which hairs grow. In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter. Many people with the disease get only a few bare patches. Some people may lose more hair. Rarely, the disease causes total loss of hair on the head or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and body.
Causes
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. Normally the immune system protects the body against infection and disease. In an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks some part of your own body. In alopecia areata, the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
The cause is not known. Genes may play a role. For people whose genes put them at risk for the disease, some type of trigger starts the attack on the hair follicles. The triggers may be a virus or something in the person’s environment.
Few causes are
- Stress
- Dietary imbalance
- Chronic Illness, long term medication or surgery
- Medications
- Blood thinners
- Drugs for gout
- Chemotherapy for cancer treatment
- Vitamin A
- Birth control pills
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure and heart medications
- Any kind of Allergy
- Radiation exposure
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Anaemia
- Hot oil treatments
- Hair getting pulled by various hairs styling like by hair rollers, Pigtails, Cornrows.
Symptoms
- Tingling area where the hair has been lost.
- Uneven loss of hair, usually on one side of the scalp, over a short period of time.
- Healthy hair near the bald patches can be pulled out easily.
- Your fingernails may develop pitting.
- Hair narrows as it gets closer to the scalp, resulting in an “exclamation point” appearance.
Remedies
- Lavender: Studies have shown that lavender, when rubbed into the scalp at the point of the initial baldness can slow or even reverse the effects of Alopecia areata. This essential oil, since it is so powerful, should be diluted into base oil before being applied, such as almond or coconut oil. Other essential oils, including peppermint, sage, and rosemary oils can also be used on the scalp to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, thereby causing hair follicles to hear or even begin growing hair again.
- Vitamin C-Rich Diet: One of the healthiest ways to reduce the effects of Alopecia areata is to eat as much vitamin C as possible, which is found in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. The other minerals and vitamins found in kelp also help stimulate the growth and protection of hair, which can slow or reverse the condition.
Herbal Remedies:
These sorts of remedies are famous all around the world, and while the availability of certain herbs might be difficult, depending on where you live, the use of ginkgo and milk thistle are always good for hair loss and Alopecia areata. Ginkgo helps to stimulate circulation and the growth of new hair, while milk thistle helps to detoxify your body and has been linked to protecting the health of your scalp and body hair.
- Onions:There are a variety of home remedies involving onions, including onion juice, which can be applied directly on the scalp. The high sulphur content helps to stimulate circulation and new growth, while the antiseptic quality of onions kills scalp-borne infections or microbes that might contribute to the hair loss conditions. Furthermore, onion skins are often rubber on the scalp area that is losing hair.
- High-Silicon Vegetables:Vegetables such as potatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are commonly turned to reduce hair loss, primarily due to the high silicon content found in their skins. Silicon is known to strengthen hair and nails, making your body less susceptible to Alopecia areata and related conditions that cause hair loss. Massage the bald patches with the outer skin of these vegetables multiple times a day for best results.
- Coconut Milk:By applying coconut milk mixed with a gram of flour to the scalp, you can guarantee a quick recovery of your lost hair. This paste quickly stimulates the hair follicles and boosts the overall health of your scalp.
- Aloe Vera:This plant is highly stimulating in nature and dramatically increases circulation of the blood to any area of the body, but is particularly effective in terms of promoting scalp development and recovery. You can apply Aloe Vera gel liberally to your scalp, as it has very few side effects, but many health benefits if absorbed by the skin.
- Green Tea:Dipping a cloth into green tea and wiping or dabbing the bare patches of your scalp can be very effective as a remedy for Alopecia areata. The catechins, saponins, and general antioxidants present in green tea can stimulate the regeneration of healthy cells on the scalp and eliminate any free radicals beneath the surface of the skin that may be causing the hair loss.
- Chinese Hibiscus: Mix the petals of the hibiscus flower with some dandelion oil and apply it to the scalp. This flower has been associated with maintaining the health of the hair when it has not fallen out, such as eliminating split ends and improving volume and lustre, but it also stimulates the rejuvenation of hair follicles in the case of Alopecia.
- Licorice Root:Licorice root has long been considered a mollifying agent and a relaxing substance. It relaxes and opens the pores, thereby allowing nutrients into the scalp, and it also soothes the scalp and eliminates irritations that may cause flaking or dry, dead hair. It is ideal for eliminating dandruff, hair loss, and split ends, as well as reversing the effects of this condition.
- Fenugreek:Studies have shown that fenugreek has certain hormone stimulating components that actually help to rebuild hair follicles that have been destroyed or damaged through the condition of Alopecia. The various proteins and organic compounds found in fenugreek seeds also help to regrow hair and improve the defensive capacity of your scalp against conditions like Alopecia areata
Tips To Prevent
Managing stress
Stress and hair loss have a lot in common, they both reflect the body's health. As you are exposed to more stress, you will look tired, restless and your body and hair will suffer.
Tips to kill stress include:
- Don't Rush While Eating
- Meditate
- Get Enough Sleep
- Be Positive & Affirmative
- Find Time to Distress at Work
- Spend Time Outdoors
- Take Deep Breaths
Adjusting Your Diet
Alopecia may also occur due to dieting. Diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in Vitamin A which can magnify alopecia. Dieting can result in hair loss if they cause iron deficiency. Iron and zinc supplements should be taken if the diet does not produce enough on its own. If someone is anaemic this can cause excessive alopecia.
Some foods you should add to your diet to increase hair health include:
- Fruits-melons, berries, bananas, oranges, apples and many other fruits can supply your body with the proper vitamins to reduce hair loss.
- Vegetables-while all vegetables will provide your hair with additional vitamins, the ones that offer the most benefits are those of the green leafy variety, including spinach, cabbage, etc.
- Dairy-increasing your dairy intake, including milk, eggs and cheese, can increase your hair's overall health by providing it with the vitamin B-12 as well as protein.
- Water-consuming at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day will help transport the needed nutrients to your hair and help keep your hair strands hydrated and strong.
Daily Hair Care
No matter how beautiful you are, if your hair is rough and brittle you will lose beauty on your contour. Always, keep in mind hair are an essential part of our body and need special attention and
- Avoid tight hairstyles
- Cleaning / Shampooing
- Proper combing
- Be gentle with your hair. Avoid pulling it tightly. If pulled over a long period of time, receding hairline can occur.
- Do not pull your hair tightly into a ponytail, cornrows or curlers.
Shampooing
The purpose of shampooing is to remove any dirt or impurities from hair making them clean and tidy. Harsh shampoos will just cause the sebaceous gland to overcompensate by producing more oil than necessary. It is advisable to wash your hair daily or alternate days using Amazing Herbal shampoo or any baby shampoo diluted with water.
Proper Combing
We advise to use a comb rather than hair brush to help your hair grow healthy and shiny. You should comb your hair every day with careful gentle 15-20 strokes. Combing hairs help us in several ways;
- Stimulates the blood flow thereby nourishing the hair follicles
- Prevents hair breakage and split ends.
- Helps in keeping hair naturally moisturized as this transfers natural skin oil from the roots to the tips of the hair.
- Remove flaky scales from the scalp.
- Combing the scalp helps keep your hair healthy and can also promote hair growth. It is also an effective way to relax. It, which in turn prevents and fights avoidable hair loss, and re-establishes the natural development of healthy hair.
Share
- Facebook Share on Facebook
- Twitter Share on Twitter
- Pinterest Pin the main image
February 04, 2020
Left Older Post Newer Post Right
Alopecia areata is a disease that affects the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp. In some cases, the hair loss can be more extensive, leading to complete loss of hair on the head, face, and body. The exact cause of alopecia areata is not known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. Genetic factors may also play a role, as individuals with certain genes may be more susceptible to the disease. Additionally, there may be triggers such as viral infections or environmental factors that initiate the immune response [[1]].
There are various factors that can contribute to the development of alopecia areata. These include:
-
Stress: Stress is considered a potential trigger for alopecia areata. It is believed that stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system, leading to an autoimmune response against the hair follicles [[1]].
-
Dietary imbalance: Imbalances in the diet, particularly deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, may contribute to hair loss. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables, can help reduce the effects of alopecia areata [[1]].
-
Chronic illness, long-term medication, or surgery: Certain chronic illnesses, long-term medication use, or surgical procedures may increase the risk of developing alopecia areata [[1]].
-
Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners, drugs for gout, chemotherapy for cancer treatment, birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood pressure and heart medications, have been associated with hair loss [[1]].
-
Allergies: Allergic reactions to certain substances or allergens may trigger an immune response that affects the hair follicles [[1]].
-
Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation, such as during radiation therapy for cancer treatment, may lead to hair loss [[1]].
-
Infections: Infections, particularly those that affect the scalp, can contribute to hair loss [[1]].
-
Autoimmune disorders: Individuals with other autoimmune disorders may have a higher risk of developing alopecia areata [[1]].
-
Anaemia: Anaemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, can contribute to hair loss [[1]].
-
Hair styling practices: Certain hair styling practices, such as using hair rollers, pigtails, or cornrows, can cause hair loss if the hair is pulled tightly or subjected to excessive tension [[1]].
It's important to note that these factors may contribute to the development of alopecia areata, but they do not guarantee that an individual will develop the condition. The exact mechanisms and interactions between these factors and the immune system are still being studied.
Remedies for Alopecia Areata
While there is no known cure for alopecia areata, there are some remedies that may help manage the condition. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any remedies. Here are some remedies that have been suggested:
-
Lavender: Studies have shown that lavender oil, when diluted and applied to the scalp, may slow or reverse the effects of alopecia areata. Other essential oils like peppermint, sage, and rosemary can also be used to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth [[1]].
-
Vitamin C-rich diet: Consuming a diet rich in vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables, may help reduce the effects of alopecia areata [[1]].
-
Herbal remedies: Certain herbs like ginkgo and milk thistle have been associated with hair loss prevention and stimulation of hair growth. However, availability may vary depending on location [[1]].
-
Onions: Applying onion juice or rubbing onion skins on the scalp may stimulate circulation and promote hair growth. The high sulfur content of onions may also help kill scalp-borne infections or microbes that contribute to hair loss [[1]].
-
High-silicon vegetables: Vegetables like potatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, which have high silicon content in their skins, may help strengthen hair and reduce hair loss [[1]].
-
Coconut milk: Applying coconut milk mixed with a gram of flour to the scalp may stimulate hair follicles and improve scalp health [[1]].
-
Aloe Vera: Applying Aloe Vera gel to the scalp may increase blood circulation and promote scalp development and recovery [[1]].
-
Green tea: Dabbing the bare patches of the scalp with green tea may stimulate the regeneration of healthy cells on the scalp and reduce hair loss [[1]].
-
Chinese Hibiscus: Mixing hibiscus flower petals with dandelion oil and applying it to the scalp may stimulate hair follicles and improve hair health [[1]].
-
Licorice root: Licorice root can help relax and open the pores, allowing nutrients into the scalp. It may also soothe the scalp and eliminate irritations that contribute to hair loss [[1]].
-
Fenugreek: Fenugreek has components that stimulate hormone production and help rebuild damaged hair follicles. It may also help regrow hair and improve scalp defense against conditions like alopecia areata [[1]].
Tips to Prevent Alopecia Areata
While it may not be possible to prevent alopecia areata entirely, there are some tips that may help manage the condition:
-
Managing stress: Stress management techniques such as meditation, getting enough sleep, and finding time to relax can help reduce the impact of stress on the body and potentially minimize hair loss [[1]].
-
Adjusting your diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and drinking enough water can help promote overall hair health [[1]].
-
Daily hair care: Avoiding tight hairstyles, using gentle hair care practices, and avoiding excessive pulling or tension on the hair can help prevent hair loss [[1]].
It's important to note that these tips may not work for everyone, and individual results may vary. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
