How Can Alopecia Areata Be Treated?

Posted on Thu, 22 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 Answered on

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello
I have alopecia areata, two patches on the side of my head and either side of my chin, I've been advised it was probably caused by trauma a few months back, it came on very suddenly and i notice when I rub my hair small hairs are falling out.
What would you recommend by way of treatment?
Would a steam room/sauna have any positive or negative effects on this?
Someone has recommended rubbing coconut oil in, would this be worth doing?

Kind regards
Richard

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Regarding alopecia areata

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

For focal patches of Alopecia areata, Intralesional injection of Triamcinolone acetonide in a concentration of 2.5mg/ml to 5mg/ml, is the treatment of choice. I'd suggest you to kindly visit a dermatologist in your locality for the needful.

Steam/ sauna /coconut oil has no role whatsoever in treating alopecia areata.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (16 hours later)

Dr Kakkar S

Thank you for your speedy reply.

I am wondering what are the chances of my hair returning naturally ?

And with this in mind is worth what will be quite a large financial cost involved with your advises treatment.

Thanks again

Richard

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Regarding alopecia areata

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Although there is a possibility of spontaneous resolution of patches in as many as 50% to 80% of patients but there is also a possibility for additional patches to form resulting in multiple patches which may coalesce to form a larger patch or eventually involve the entire scalp.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar