Types of Alopecia and their Most Effective Treatments

 Alopecia is a ‘disease that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles, causing hair loss anywhere on the body’. Many people with alopecia develop a round/oval bald patch on their scalp (see image below). It’s not contagious, people can experience it at any age, and there is no official cure for the disease, however, there are several treatments for different types of alopecia - and we’re going to get into that now, so keep reading! 

 

1. Alopecia Areata

This is one of the most common form of alopecia. Alopecia is the medical term for ‘bald’ and areata means ‘patchy’,  so, with this type of alopecia, one can find patches of hair loss anywhere around the body. This includes the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits etc.

 

 Image | Alopecia Areata Example 

 

2. Alopecia Areata Totalis

With this type of alopecia, the person experiences total hair loss on the scalp, and so as a result, is bald. 

 

 Image | Alopecia Areata Totalis Example

 

3. Alopecia Universalis

A rare type of alopecia, people with alopecia universalis experience full-body hair loss. The entire body is stripped of hair (including pubic hair, armpit hair etc).

 

 Image | Alopecia Areata Totalis Example 

 

4. Diffuse Alopecia Areata 

Here, hair follicles become extremely thin, and so instead of bald patches, one will experience thinning hair in different areas of their body. 

 

 Image | Diffuse Alopecia Areata

5. Alopecia Areata Ophiasis

One may experiences hair loss on the side and/or the lower back of their head with this type of alopecia.

 

 

There are also 6 other types of alopecia: Alopecia Barbae, Androgenic Alopecia, Central Centrifungal Cicatrical Alopecia, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Traction Alopecia and Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia.

Effective Remedies for Alopecia

1. Oils

Rosemary and castor oil are amongst the most popular alopecia treatments. A 1998 study found that ‘44% of participants improved with the use of rosemary oil over 7 months, compared to just 15% who received no treatment’. It has been found that ricinoleic acid in castor oil may 'boost circulation in the scalp and subsequently promote healthier and stronger hair'. If you’re willing to give oils a try, it’s encouraged to massage the oils into your scalp daily.

 

2. Vitamins

Most autoimmune diseases actually start with poor gut health, so it's recommended that those with alopecia take probiotics to reverse the effects of the disease. Furthermore, Zinc and Vitamin D have been said to be ‘essential for autoimmune diseases’ - try to take 20,000 - 30,000 IU daily.  

 

 

3. Infrared Treatment

The infrared light spectrum of light energy has been said to reverse hair loss, without damaging side effects. This treatment, however, should not be used by those who are currently undertaking chemotherapy.

 

 

With the advancement of technology and medicine, there are fortunately several new treatments for alopecia. Although there is no ‘cure’ to the disease, the treatments listed above have proved influential in hair growth. We would strongly suggest seeing a dermatologist, who will be best suited to advise treatment for your specific alopecia - they may prescribe steroid drugs. If you have any suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section below!