Treatments for Alopecia Areata
There is no known cure for Alopecia Areata, but there are several treatment options available. While these treatments won't prevent the hairloss from happening they can help stimulate regrowth and help shorten the time it takes for the bald spots to grow in.
Cortisone Injections
Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for Alopecia Areata. However since topical creams fail to penetrate deeply enough into the skin to reach the hair bulbs; cortisone injections must be used. The use of a needle on the scalp can be discomforting for some patiants, but most find it tolerable. With this treatment there's no discomfort after the initial needle prick. Oral corticosteroids can also be used, but these are rarely prescribed due to the negative side effects it can cause.
Topical Minoxidil
A 5 percent Minoxidil treatment can be applied twice daily and may help with hair growth. A 5 percent solution must be used as anything lower will not be strong enough. This treatment is sometimes combined with other things, such as a cortisone cream. Unfortunatley Minoxidil will not work in cases of total hairloss.