• Cortocosteroids
• Dithranol
• Retin A - Tretinoin
• Topical Minoxidil marketed as Regaine, Rogaine or Headway
• Zinc
• Systematic Cortisone
• PUVA
• Irritants
• Immuno-suppressive drugs

Cortocosteroids & Alopecia Areata

In mild cases of alopecia areata the first choice of treatment would be a cortocosteroid cream or lotion which is applied directly to the bald areas. An alternative is an injection of cortocosteroid directly onto and around the bald area.

Dithranol & Alopecia Areata

Dithranol is a tar-like ointment which is applied to the scalp and is best known for its use in the treatment of psoriasis. It acts against cell division and discourages overgrowth of the outermost layer of skin cells.

Retin A - Tretinoin & Alopecia Areata

Retin A is normally used in the treatment of acne vulgaris, however has more recently been used in the treatment of both Alopecia areata and Androgenetic alopecia. Usually Retin-A in a gel form is rubbed on the area of hair loss. The gel works best when used in combination with topical Minoxidil. It is suggested that Minoxidil be applied in the morning and Retin-A in the evening due to the fact that Retin-a increase the skins sensitivity to sunlight.

Topical Minoxidil marketed as Regaine, Rogaine or Headway & Alopecia Areata

Topical Minoxidil is mainly used by individuals with androgenetic alopecia however it is also effective on patchy alopecia areata. Unfortunately topical Minoxidil is not normally effective in individuals with 100% scalp loss. Topical Minoxidil acts as a temporary measure in alopecia areata, bridging the gap until hair starts growing again on its own.

Zinc & Alopecia Areata

Oral zinc has been shown to be of occasional benefit in Alopecia Areata and appears to possess an immunomodulatory effect as well as an anti-androgenetic effect. However very high doses are needed for it to be effective and this may result in side effects which can include vomiting and diarrhoea.

Systematic Cortisone & Alopecia Areata

Oral cortisone is sometimes prescribed for extensive scalp loss or when the condition is rapidly spreading. According to the National Alopecia Areata foundation of America, cortisone’s taken internally are much more powerful than local injections into the skin.

PUVA & Alopecia Areata

Puva treatment involves taking a psoralen which is a light sensitive drug and then undergoing a short exposure to UVA which is a long-wave ultraviolet light. Treatment takes place over a three to six week period with sessions two to three times a week.

Irritants & Alopecia Areata

When irritants or allergens are applied to the scalp they cause an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction then draws the T-lymohcytes away from the hair follicle, thus allowing the hair a chance to start regrowing.

Immuno-suppressive drugs & Alopecia Areata

Immuno suppressive drugs where developed to stop the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs following transplant surgery. It is thought that the same drugs should be able to suppress the immune system however he main problem with interfering with the immune system is that it can lead to a lowered resistance to infection.