Expert: Ask Suz - 3/12/2007

Question
I have a friend who suffers from alopecia areata. is there any cure or treatment that's really effective? pls let me know. thanks.

Answer
First, please accept my humble apologies for getting this to you so late. Our company just left yesterday.
Alopecia is a very complex condition. Alopecia is caused by a genetic tendency for certain hair follicles to produce a substance that reacts with male hormones. As you get older, this reaction eventually causes the follicle to shut down. Female diffuse baldness progresses more slowly than male pattern baldness because of the small amount of male hormones in a woman's body. A hormone imbalance may make the problem worse.

Temporary hair loss may result from any shock to the body's systems, including starvation, systemic infection, childbirth, thyroid or immunologic disorders, drugs (especially chemotherapy for cancer), or stress. Hair follicles can be destroyed permanently by scarring from burns, severe scalp infections, X-ray therapy, or skin disorders. Damage may also result from tight hairstyles over a long period of time, chemical treatments such as hair coloring or permanents, or the habitual pulling out of the hair. A fungal condition called tinea capitis ("ringworm of the scalp") also results in hair loss. The causes of alopecia areata, or patchy hair loss, are not well understood. **It tends to happen in times of stress**.


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What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If the cause of your hair loss is uncertain, your provider may suggest thyroid function tests or a blood test to rule out immune system problems. A biopsy, in which a small sample of scalp tissue is taken to be examined microscopically, is occasionally recommended.


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Treatment Options

Appropriate treatment options depend upon the type of alopecia. Aggressiveness of the treatment depends on the patient's attitude and must be weighed against potential side effects. In many temporary forms of alopecia, the condition will begin to normalize without treatment. Surgery may be indicated for highly motivated patients with male pattern baldness for whom medical therapies are  ineffective. Options include hair transplants, scalp reduction, and strip or flap grafts.

An alternative therapy story:
The customer sent me some literature regarding an alternative natural remedy for Alopecea called Vitacel 7. The literature said many people were helped and some had been cured of the hair loss and Alopecia by taking this GH7 natural treatment remedy over extended periods of time. I ordered the Vitacel GH7 which is an alternative complementary medicine. There were no side effects and I felt good. In about six weeks, the hair started re-growing in, first the hair growth was on top, and then the sides, and then in the back. I still have one bald spot in the back that is bare, but I know it, too, will fill in. One of the customers who hadn’t seen me in quite some time came into the store and was surprised to see the new me with new hair growth. So she might want to try GH7.


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Drug Therapies

Male pattern baldness—minoxidil lotion, 2% to 5% applied twice daily; finasteride, 1 mg per day orally. Either drug must be used indefinitely to maintain regrown hair. If you use these medications, your health care provider should monitor you for side effects.
Female baldness—minoxidil lotion, 2% applied twice daily. Must be used indefinitely to maintain regrown hair.
Alopecia areata—the most effective treatments involve steroid drugs, such as cortisone. As you may know, cortisone carries with it some serious side effects.
Tinea capitis—antifungal mediations such as griseovulfin, orally for 8 weeks, in combination with antifungal shampoo two to three times per week for 8 weeks. Complete entire course of treatment to prevent relapse.


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Surgical and Other Procedures

Surgical options include hair transplants, scalp reduction, and strip or flap grafts.
Again, I am so sorry this is late and please write back if I've not addressed your problem. Suz

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