Alopecia Areata Case Study

Although alopecia areata cannot be cure 100%, many treatment which can alleviate symptoms are available. Selectional treatments for alopecia areata are based on patient’s age and the extent of the hair loss. Hair loss ranged from random patches in scalp to entire body. A hair loss in patches in scalp called localized alopecia, and alopecia totalis is a hair loss of all head hair. The extreme case is alopecia universalis which is a hair loss of entire body. Opportunities for cure decrease as the extent of hair loss increases. Remedies for alopecia areata use to accelerate the regrowth of hair not to cure it. Moreover, alopecia areata may recur after treatment. Patient’s responses can be divided into two class. First class displays no response for treatment. Other class displays response for treatment which is characterized by regrowth hair. However, the regrowth hair may fall or
An autoimmune reaction will be suppressed by corticosteroids. Cortisone injections is the most common treatment. Dermatologist gives a multiple injections around the bare patches by a tiny needle every month. New hair growth is visible within four weeks, however, it takes longer sometimes. Furthermore, this treatment does not prevent recur of hair loss. Sometimes, patients have a topical corticosteroids which apply to the bare spots. It could be lotion, ointment, cream. Topical corticosteroids is used for children because they are less effective. Also, it may offer benefit in approximately 30% to 50% of patients. Rarely, cortisone pills are given to patients with alopecia totalis with hair loss >50%. It is stronger than injections, and have more side effects than injections. Their side effects are needed to be discuss with doctor. Cortisone pills are tolerated with few side effects by a healthy younger adults. If cortisone pills stopped, regrowth hair tend to fall