How to Stop Alopecia Areata From Spreading

Want to find out how to stop alopecia areata from spreading?  We get it, hair loss can be stressful. 

Hair loss is a common symptom of alopecia areata because the autoimmune disorder mistakenly targets hair follicles as foreign bodies.

Dealing with symptoms of alopecia areata and preventing further hair loss can be challenging.  But there’s hope. Treatment of alopecia areata often involves a mix of medications. Each case is unique, so finding the right approach can take time.

Below, we cover alopecia areata causes, how alopecia areata hair loss spreads, and effective treatment options.

The exact cause of alopecia areata is still unclear, but experts know that some triggers seem to worsen the disorder.

Potential triggers include: 

• Emotional stress

• Family history of alopecia areata 

• Having an autoimmune disease, such as psoriasis or thyroid disease

• Environmental factors (a reaction to something in your environment)

• Having vitiligo

Does alopecia spread? Spread can vary from person to person and depend on the type of alopecia areata you have. 

There are three types of alopecia areata:

• Patchy alopecia areata. This is one of the most common types of alopecia areata. It causes patches of hair loss.

• Alopecia totalis. People with this form of alopecia areata experience hair loss across their entire scalp. 

• Alopecia universalis. People with the rarest form of this autoimmune disorder have complete or nearly complete loss of hair on the scalp, face, and rest of the body.

Your treatment options may vary based on the type you have.

Read more about the symptoms of this autoimmune condition in our guide to alopecia areata.

While there’s no cure for alopecia areata, some treatment options can help regrow hair and prevent hair loss from spreading. 

At first, your immune system attacks your hair follicles but doesn’t usually destroy them completely, meaning new hair growth is possible.

However, over time, the damage — and hair loss — can become permanent.

If you think you have alopecia areata, it’s important to talk to a medical professional like a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

Once your healthcare provider or a dermatologist diagnoses your condition, they can help you figure out how to stop alopecia areata from spreading. Managing the autoimmune disorder involves good scalp hygiene, lifestyle changes, and medication. 

Let’s go into more detail on these treatment options. 

Steroids

Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation for various conditions, including alopecia areata. They come in two main forms: corticosteroid injections and oral steroids.

For those dealing with patchy hair loss, corticosteroid injections have shown promising results. In a study involving 101 participants with patchy hair loss, over 80 percent saw hair regrowth in just over 12 weeks.

These injections are typically administered every four to six weeks, and new hair growth often starts after about a month of treatment.  

While the needle might cause minor discomfort or temporary skin depressions, these side effects usually fade quickly. However, if injections aren’t for you, oral steroids are also an option. 

Topical Treatment

Topical treatments help tackle the issue right at the scalp. This might involve topical immunotherapy to address the immune condition or medications to boost hair health.

One popular FDA-approved option is Rogaine^® (topical minoxidil). It supports ongoing hair growth initiated by other treatments and can stimulate hair follicles to enter the anagen (or growth) phase of the hair growth cycle.

A review of multiple studies found that over 48 weeks, minoxidilincreased total hair count by up to 18 percent and resulted in noticeably thicker hair for some participants.

Other topical treatments include topical corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation around hair follicles, similar to corticosteroid injections.

JAK Inhibitors

Minoxidil isn’t your only FDA-approved option for treating alopecia areata. Dermatologists may also recommend a janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor called Olumiant. This drug was recently approved to treat adults with severe alopecia areata. It works by blocking the activity of certain enzymes to reduce inflammation.

While it’s effective, be aware of possible side effects like: 

• Headache

• Acne

• High cholesterol

• Stomach pain

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

• Fatigue

Lifestyle Changes

If you’re dealing with alopecia areata or another immune condition, it’s worth taking a closer look at how your lifestyle habits are supporting your overall health. 

Your body will benefit from a balanced diet, lower stress, better sleep, and regular exercise.

Think of it as giving your immune system a little extra TLC. 

You can also take additional steps to protect your hair. For instance,  using sunscreen or wearing hats or wigs to protect areas of your skin with noticeable hair loss will safeguard your skin from UV-related damage. 

For a short-term solution to hair loss, check out our guide on how to cover up bald spots.

Experiencing patchy hair loss on your scalp, beard, or other areas due to alopecia areata? Fortunately, there are ways to stop alopecia areata from spreading and keep it from getting worse.

• Ask a medical professional about your treatment options. Conventional treatment plans typically include corticosteroid injections or topical treatments like minoxidilto stimulate new hair growth. Good news: We offer minoxidil as part of our range of men’s hair loss treatments.

• Consider your lifestyle. Besides medication, tweaking your lifestyle may help minimize the severity of alopecia areata symptoms. 

• Target your emotional health. If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression as a result of alopecia areata, consider talking to a mental health professional.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. A healthcare professional can help you find out how to stop alopecia areata from spreading.