What are the treatments for AU, and what do they involve? Read on to learn more about what AU options may be available for hair regrowth so you can discuss these further with your dermatologist.
Topical corticosteroids These may come in the form of creams, ointments, or foams, and are rubbed into your skin daily.Contact immunotherapy In this experimental treatment, a dermatologist uses sensitizing agents such as diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) to reduce the immune system’s attacks on hair follicles. This may help promote hair regrowth in AU, but it tends to work best in individuals who have experienced less than 50 percent hair loss.Also, it may take up to three months to see results, and it’s possible to experience severe skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes from this treatment option.Minoxidil Better known by its brand name, Rogaine, minoxidil is sometimes recommended for alopecia, and it may be useful for AU when combined with other treatments as directed.While typically used on the scalp, minoxidil may also be recommended to help with eyebrow hair regrowth.It can take up to 12 weeks to see hair regrowth with minoxidil.Bimatoprost This prescription eye drop treatment is approved for glaucoma as well as eyelash growth. Your dermatologist may prescribe these eye drops to aid eyelash regrowth with AU.
Biologic Injectables
“First, hair transplants utilize a person’s own hair, so you need to have hair to transplant,” she explains. “But more importantly, in alopecia areata hair loss occurs as the result of inflammation around the hair follicles, which will also impact any transplanted hair and cause it to fall out as well.”
Additionally, new treatment measures continue to be explored for this condition. “I really think that within the next several years this will start to be seen as a disease that is largely treatable, and that is so exciting,” says Craiglow. It’s important to follow your treatment plan as outlined by your dermatologist, but you should also discuss any new therapies that come along.
