Читать книгу Why Are Black Women Losing Their Hair - Barry Fletcher - Страница 13

Areata is another popular form of alopecia and is identified as a bald spot on the scalp about the size of a quarter. People often panic about this type of alopecia and want to know why they lost their hair in that particular spot. This spot is also referred to as a nerve spot because it is believed to be caused by nervousness and stress. When the body is under severe stress, this sometimes triggers a reaction in the immune system that causes the white blood cells to attack the hair follicles as if they are fighting off a virus. This causes the hair to fall out. The good thing, however, is that it will grow back (often within six weeks to three months). The condition is known to recur and can effect children and young adults.

Treatments for Alopecia Areata are divided into two groups: patients with less than 50 percent hair loss and those with more than 50 percent hair loss. Treatment for less than 50 percent hair loss include:

Corticosteroid, lotion that is applied directly to the bald area, or corticosteroid injections that are applied directly onto the bald area.

•Drithocreme, an anthralin ointment, is applied to the scalp.

•Retin A, a gel rubbed on the area of hair loss.

•Rogaine, effective on patch Alopecia Areata, used to fill in gaps until hair starts growing again.

•Zinc, in high doses.

•Treatment for more than 50 percent hair loss include:

•Systematic Cortisone, taken intramuscularly or internally when the condition is spreading rapidly.

•Puva, a light sensitive drug that requires undergoing short exposure to long wave ultraviolet light. It should be used three times a week for six weeks.