Alopecia Areata Support Association
(Vic), Inc.
0017772V

Support services since 1980

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Treatments

Many treatments have been used over the years in different countries, and it is certain that new and improved treatments will be discovered. Some of the following treatments can cause side effects, so please consult with your doctor. The paragraphs which follow give some general information, but obviously full details cannot be given here.

FOOD AND VITAMINS

There is no actual evidence that any deficiency exists, or that changing diets will be helpful.

ZINC TREATMENT

There have been medical articles from central Europe stating that prolonged treatment with zinc sulphate is helpful. There is no zinc deficiency discoverable in the body and short-term treatment with zinc is not helpful.

HAIR CARE

There is no special shampoo to use or to avoid and hairstyles will be chosen by each person to cover the patch. Scalp tonics and hair conditioners do not help.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

These methods have been used and in early mild cases may have some influence. The most recent chemical described in this group is "dithranol" which probably acts by irritating the scalp and not by a specific effect.

CORTISONE CREAMS AND LOTIONS

These agents are commonly used, sometimes with a plastic film applied over the scalp to assist penetration of the cortisone. This treatment is quite safe.

INJECTION OF CORTISONE INTO THE PATCHES

This is a standard treatment, especially for early cases which have affected small areas. It seems to give the best quick results- speeding recovery in mild cases, but it is less effective in more severe cases. The total amount of cortisone used is not high and does not induce general body side effects, however some temporary indentation of the scalp at the site of the injection can be commonly noted.

CORTISONE TABLETS

There is no doubt that taking cortisone can produce re-growth in many people. However, this regrowth may only last as long as the cortisone is continued- and long term cortisone treatment can affect many aspects of general health. Therefore, most doctors advise against cortisone tablets except in severe and progressive alopecia in adults   

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D.C.P TREATMENT

DCP is a chemical (dicyclopropylpropenone), which rapidly produces skin sensitivity. In some people with severe alopecia, continued applications of DCP (enough to produce a continuing rash or irritation) can result in regrowth of hair. This method is not advisable for less severe cases, and does not always work- but it does suit a number of people.

P.U.V.A. TREATMENT

The success of using photosensitizing "psoralens" with ultraviolet light in the A range (P.U.V.A.) in other skin conditions has suggested it could be used in alopecia areata. There have been some encouraging reports, but long term studies have yet to show what success this treatment will have, and who should be treated by this method.

WIGS

For children and adults with severe alopecia, wearing a wig may become the best "treatment". Wigs do not stop hair from regrowing and cannot make the problem worse. In 1981 the government introduced a subsidy for wigs to for people with severe alopecia (P.A.D.P). Details of P.A.D.P. hospitals are available from your doctor. TREATMENT OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

This is an important part of treatment when people with alopecia are under great stress, or are upset by the problem. Doctors differ in their opinion about using sedatives or mild tranquilizers for alopecia sufferers who are not obviously affected by stress and problems.

REGAINE

(TOPICAL MINOXIDIL)

Minoxidil was first used in tablet form for the treatment of high blood pressure. Hair growth was observed as a side effect in patients taking the preparation for this condition. Tests were then carried out to see if monoxidil could be applied to the scalp, as a topical (liquid) preparation. Clinical trials involving thousands of men established the efficiency of Regaine® (topical minoxidil) in treating alopecia androgenetica (male pattern baldness) for a percentage of men. Regaine® is currently indicated for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Those most likely to respond include men who are balding on the crown rather than temples, and who have been balding for less than ten years. In addition, there have been reports of Regaine's® effectiveness for alopecia areata.

Regaine® takes 4- 6 months to be effective and it is available by prescription in Australia at a cost of approximately $70 per month (Some of this is reimbursed by private health care funds.)