Suggest Treatment For Alopecia Areata

Posted on Sun, 23 Oct 2016

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

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 Answered on

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Over the last week I noticed grey hairs have came through in a path at the right hand side of my head. I cut a few grey hairs and now it almost looks like a bold patch. I've not been scratching my head or causing any friction. My eating has been healthy and OK.

What can I do to stop this. I was thinking about buying vitamin E and C tablets etc.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Alopecia aerata

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photograph.
It's looking like alopecia aerata.
In this condition a bald patch is formed with few white hair.
I treat such cases with a topical steroid cream like fluticasone to be applied twice daily for two weeks.
If there is no response then an injection triamcinolone needs to given in that bald patch.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (6 hours later)

Questions:

1. Why does Alopecia aerata happen?

Is it poor health, not enough vitamins, scratching/rubbing hair/scalp etc.

2. Can it be cured how long does it take to fix?

3. Is there anything I can do to ensure it does not happen again?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Autoimmune diseases

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
It is an autoimmune disorder that means antibodies are formed in body which destroy hair follicles.
It is a self limiting condition and will recover on its own within 3 to 4 months.
It is not due to poor hygiene or any deficiencies.
There is nothing which can be done to prevent it.
Slowly your body will ģet adapted and you will not get these lesions.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D