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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Alopecia Areata?

i have a bold spot on my head i know what it is i have the cream that they gave me and i am applying it as directed only wonder is what are the chances of more hair falling i feel as in if any strand falls off i just get worried, i know hair falling is normal since new hair has to come in, im just worried
Mon, 30 Jun 2014
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition and commonly present as focal patches of hair loss, most commonly over the scalp but also on the beard, moustache or eyebrows or eyelashes. Most of the patches regrow hair on there own within a year. However, treatment is often sought for cosmetic concerns.

Various treatment options utilized for treatment of alopecia areata in order of the choice are:
--Intra-lesional Triamcinolone acetonide. It is first line treatment in adults followed by other modalities like:
--Topical potent steroids
--Topical Minoxidil
--Topical Anthranalin
--Topical PUVA(psoralens +UV A therapy). All of them are effective.

I prefer Intra-lesional steroid in my patients of Alopecia areata. It can be repeated after 3 -4 weeks and most of the patients regrow new hair after just 2 injections, given 3 weeks apart. Regrowth usually is seen within 4-6 weeks in responsive patients. The new hair that re grows is lighter/hypopigmented as compared to the surrounding normal hair but later it regains its pigment.

Whereas in case of other topical treatment modalities, regrowth may take a minimum of 3 months before regrowth can be expected.

Therefore intralesional injection with triamcinolone acetonide, is a far better option in adults, in terms of efficacy.

Regards
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How To Treat Alopecia Areata?

Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition and commonly present as focal patches of hair loss, most commonly over the scalp but also on the beard, moustache or eyebrows or eyelashes. Most of the patches regrow hair on there own within a year. However, treatment is often sought for cosmetic concerns. Various treatment options utilized for treatment of alopecia areata in order of the choice are: --Intra-lesional Triamcinolone acetonide. It is first line treatment in adults followed by other modalities like: --Topical potent steroids --Topical Minoxidil --Topical Anthranalin --Topical PUVA(psoralens +UV A therapy). All of them are effective. I prefer Intra-lesional steroid in my patients of Alopecia areata. It can be repeated after 3 -4 weeks and most of the patients regrow new hair after just 2 injections, given 3 weeks apart. Regrowth usually is seen within 4-6 weeks in responsive patients. The new hair that re grows is lighter/hypopigmented as compared to the surrounding normal hair but later it regains its pigment. Whereas in case of other topical treatment modalities, regrowth may take a minimum of 3 months before regrowth can be expected. Therefore intralesional injection with triamcinolone acetonide, is a far better option in adults, in terms of efficacy. Regards