Introduction Causes Do's and Don'ts

Types of Alopecia areata Symptoms Homoeopathic treatment

Patchy loss of hair (bald spots) is termed as Alopecia areata. There can be a single bald spot to multiple or complete loss of hair all over the body. Most often the loss of hair is on the scalp, but affection of other regions like loss of hair of the eyebrows, beard, etc. is not uncommon.

• Alopecia areata monolocularis: In this condition there is presence of single bald spot on the scalp.
• Alopecia areata multilocularis: In this condition there are multiple bald spots on the scalp.
• Alopecia areata totalis: There is complete baldness of the scalp in this condition.
• Alopecia areata universalis: There is complete loss of hair all over the body.
• Alopecia areata barbae: The bald spots are restricted to the region of beard.
• Traction alopecia: Here the constant pull of the hair when they are tied tightly cause baldness along the hair line on the scalp.

• Hereditary
• Severe illness
• High fever
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Scalp infections
• Stress
• Certain drugs like cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs and strong anti-biotics Hormonal changes esp. during pregnancy and also after leaving the contraceptive pill.
• Certain chemicals, like those used to purify swimming pools.
• Wear and tear of over-grooming.
• Bleaching. Repeated bleaching with hydrogen peroxide can cause split ends.
• Perming and dyeing. Temporary dyes are not as harmful as permanent dyes which can damage the hair shaft.

There is loss of hair from roots causing baldness. The bald spots vary in size; they could be the size of a coin to larger spots.

• Recognize signs of stress and identify the causes. At work reduce stress by learning to avoid long hours, not accepting unrealistic demands, setting realistic goals, accepting changes optimistically and not taking work related problems home. At home air your grievances, share your problems and regular weekend breaks with the family.
• Your diet should be balanced in vitamins, minerals and proteins.
• Avoid using dyes, bleaching and perming hair.
• Avoid washing your hair too frequently.
• Avoid tight hair styles or elastic hair bands. Do not use heated, spiked rollers frequently and never hold the hair dryer too close to the scalp. (atleast 15 cms away) Never use sharp combs or brushes.
• Never brush or comb when the hair is wet and always use a towel to dry it gently.
• Avoid over-zealous scalp massage or brushing.

Alopecia areata can be effectively treated with Homeopathic medicines. The treatment comprises of taking oral medicines and no local applications or oils are prescribed. The medicines promote re-growth of hair and control the progress and spread of bald spots to other regions. However bald spots due to scar tissue cannot be treated as it is a dead tissue with loss of hair follicles.

As per the basic principles of Classical Homeopathy each person is prescribed an individual constitutional medicine. The medicines are prescribed after studying and evaluating a complete case history of the patient.