You've probably never heard of alopecia areata but if you've ever had it you understand how upsetting it can be. Imagine rapidly developing bald patches in your scalp for no obvious reasons and you'll realize why alopecia areata is so disconcerting for young adults. The hair loss associated with alopecia areata can occur anywhere on the body though the scalp is most frequently affected. Unlike other causes of hair loss both sexes can be affected. The worst thing about alopecia areata is that no one knows what causes it nor are there any universally accepted treatments for it. So how should you choose alopecia areata treatments?

Alopecia areata is diagnosed by medical professionals. Other medical disorders can cause the circular patches of hair loss seen with alopecia areata; these other conditions need to be excluded. Once alopecia areata has been confirmed the first treatment is typically something simple like a topical high-grade halogenated cortisone cream such as Temovate or Ultravate. The cream is applied twice a day to the hairless areas for several weeks to months.

If topical cortisone creams are ineffective then monthly cortisone injections into the affected area can be considered. The effectiveness of cortisone injections is highly unpredictable but typically more effective than topical therapy.

Topical minoxidil has been used for male-pattern baldness for several decades. Success varies per individual and requires indefinite use of the product. Though it has also been used for alopecia areata less is known about the efficacy of topical minoxidil for this condition; nevertheless, it appears relatively safe. It's uncertain how topical minoxidil stimulates hair growth but results usually take 12 weeks.

Topical coal tar or anthralin scalp lotion has also been tried for alopecia areata with limited success. Used commonly for scalp psoriasis it should be applied with gloves to the affected areas of the scalp because coal tar causes unsightly staining. Avoid getting coal tar on clothing or bed linens. Hair growth usually occurs within 12 weeks.

Some mixtures of aromatherapy essential oils when used topically to treat alopecia areata have been shown in small studies to have modest benefit. A dermatology study from 1998 used a combination of lavender, rosemary and thyme oils.

Stress reduction has shown some promise in the treatment of alopecia areata. Whether the reduction in stress helps by decreasing the immune system's attack on hair follicles or by some other process is uncertain.

Nearly half of all individuals with alopecia areata regrow their hair without any medical treatments in one year. The likelihood of hair growth declines the longer there is no improvement. Unfortunately hair loss due to alopecia areata is permanent. Frequently a combination of therapies can be utilized for the treatment of alopecia areata. None of these discussed treatments are a cure for alopecia areata.

*  Alopecia areata is not contagious or due to an infection.
*  Younger adults tend to be most commonly affected though it's been documented in all age groups.
*  Men and women are both affected.
*  Fortunately no shampoos or hair care products have ever been shown to cause alopecia areata.

*  Alopecia areata seems to occur more frequently in individuals at risk for other autoimmune disorders such as asthma, thyroiditis or atopic dermatitis.
*  Many naturopathic hair growth treatments have been touted including acupuncture, zinc and evening primrose oil; none have ever demonstrated consistent improvement.