Treatment
For limited areas of alopecia, the affected hairs shed and new hair may regrow. No treatment is usually needed because 95 percent of the time the hair will regrow.
Your doctor may prescribe a few medications to try to help the hair to grow. However, there is no good evidence that any of these treatments will guarantee the hair will regrow. These may include:
- Steroid cream, ointment or solution that is put on the skin where hair loss has occurred
- Another type of medicine put on the skin, called topical calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel cream, protopic ointment)
- A form of vitamin A that is put on the skin (topical retinoid)
- Steroid injections
- Vasodilator solution or foam (minoxidil)
Follow the instructions for use very carefully. If the skin gets irritated, or if you have any questions, call your doctor.
There is little evidence that use of oral medicines will produce lasting hair regrowth, and the side effects of these medicines usually outweigh any potential benefit.
Will My Child’s Hair Regrow?
Hair may or may not regrow. Hair that is trying to regrow may respond to treatment and continue to regrow. There is little evidence that hair that is not trying or able to regrow can be “made” to regrow by the use of medicines or other treatment.
What Factors Will Affect Hair Regrowth?
- Age of the child: The younger your child is when hair loss starts, the less likely it is to grow back.
- Amount of hair involved: If your child has many areas of hair loss, it is not likely to grow back.
- Amount of time: The longer the hair loss continues, the less likely it is to grow back.
Other Help
If you are interested in wigs or hairpieces, you may wish to contact Locks of Love. The organization provides affordable, sometimes free hairpieces for children with alopecia.
Visit the National Alopecia Areata Foundation for support groups and general information.