Alopecia areata is a complex condition to live with. It may make you feel self-conscious, and your confidence can suffer. Yet nearly 2.5 million people are affected by this condition in the US.
Knowing how to stop alopecia areata from spreading naturally can help you regain confidence. Natural remedies are helpful and less invasive than other medical treatments, so they may be just what you need.
If you want to learn more about the natural remedies available for alopecia areata, you can find out what they are and how to use them below.
Alopecia Areata can spread from one small patch of hair to the rest of the head. However, you should be aware that this doesn’t always happen in one go. Sometimes alopecia areata comes in batches, leaving and returning periodically.
As an autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata is caused by your immune system attacking your hair follicles. This causes them to become inflamed, which makes your hair fall out.
Alopecia areata spreads because your body sees your hair follicles as something harmful. As a result, all your hair follicles are attacked, and hair loss spreads over larger areas of your head. This can happen over time and without treatment.
Several natural remedies may help prevent alopecia areata from spreading. Using these natural treatments helps prevent alopecia from returning. Always use natural remedies in conjunction with medical advice.
Some essential oils help stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help them begin to regrow hair again. For example, rosemary oil promotes circulation to flow to the top of your head, where it is needed most for effective hair regrowth. Rosemary oil can also thicken the hair you still have, which helps cover alopecia patches.
Peppermint oil acts similarly. The menthol in peppermint dilates the blood vessels, allowing oxygen to reach hair follicles.
Read more: Solving the Mystery of Seborrheic Dermatitis Hair Loss: Natural Remedies and Clinical Treatments
Many hair loss solutions come in the form of dietary changes. Adding extra vitamins and vegetables and drinking more water is good for general health overall. These nutrients are necessary for effective hair growth too.
Read more: Alopecia Areata Self-Care: Tips for Living With This Autoimmune Disorder
Probiotics combine live bacteria and yeast, usually in a tablet form that you chew or swallow. They are good for general health and can be particularly effective in treating hair loss. Healthy bacteria inside probiotics can help heal any inflammation you’re experiencing, including in your hair follicles.
If you have already experienced hair loss, probiotic consumption can help growth begin faster and thicken patches of hair.
Accupuntunture involves stimulating various areas of your body using a needle. For hair loss in men, acupuncture can help generate more blood flow to the hair follicles. Inflammation is reduced, and the area is well-oxygenated.
Depending on how much hair loss you’ve experienced or how quickly you wish to begin regrowth, you will need several acupuncture treatments. Always seek out a professional acupuncture therapist before receiving treatment. They’ll be able to offer you proper advice and explain fully how your treatment plan will work.
Read more: What is an M-Shaped Hairline, and Can It Be Fixed?
Stress is a very common cause of hair loss and can certainly make alopecia areata worse. Managing stress might not completely cure alopecia areata, but it can help prevent further hair loss.
Ways to manage your stress include exercising more often, practicing meditation, and reducing work time if you work long hours. If you’re experiencing high levels of stress and worrying it may be causing hair loss, your doctor can help you find the right medication and treatment for stress.
Yes, unfortunately, alopecia areata can come back if treatment is ineffective or if stress levels go unmanaged. Signs of alopecia areata reoccurring include sudden hair loss, patches of baldness, and losing more hair than normal after brushing or combing your hair.
The good news is that your doctor can recommend other forms of treatment if their first treatment plan is ineffective. You can also take charge of your condition by following the abovementioned natural remedies.
Read more: 7 Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair
Now that you know how to stop alopecia areata from spreading naturally, you can take simple steps to help hair loss. Managing your stress, eating a diet of vitamin-rich foods, and even gentle scalp massages using essential oil may help to counteract alopecia areata.
If you’re still concerned about hair loss, seeing your doctor is the best approach. They have the knowledge to recommend specific medicines for alopecia areata and can help to build a treatment plan.
You don’t have to deal with your alopecia areata on your own. Find out more about hair loss here and start your path toward regrowing both your hair and your confidence.
Understanding alopecia areata can help you understand your treatment options. Consider consulting a hair-regrowth professional with any questions you have about this condition. In the meantime, here are some answers to common alopecia-related questions.
When hair regrowth begins will depend on what sort of course of treatment you receive. With the natural remedies above, especially in managing stress, regrowth can take around six to nine months.
Each alopecia case tends to be unique to the individual. Some people only experience small patches of hair loss that regrow quickly.
Others may lose a large amount of hair before regrowth begins. Usually, it is best to see a doctor as soon as you notice alopecia beginning, as they can treat it early.
Washing your hair regularly does not affect alopecia, and you will not lose more hair by washing it often. Keeping good personal hygiene is an important part of self-care, and it may help to reduce stress levels. In turn, this can improve alopecia areata.