5 Tips for Treating Hair Loss and Scarring Caused by Alopecia
Individuals with alopecia can experience hair loss and balding. This autoimmune condition destroys hair follicles, sometimes causing redness and inflammation on the scalp. You can address alopecia-related bald spots by using anti-inflammatory medication or getting a scalp tattoo from a skilled practitioner. Here are five tips for treating hair loss and scarring caused by alopecia:
1. Conceal the Area With Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation is a solution for covering balding and scarred areas. Skilled scalp tattoo artists apply pigment using a dotting technique that replicates the appearance of hair follicles. They can work with you to choose a pigment that matches your natural hair color and apply it to the dermal layer of your scalp using specialized devices. The spacing of the hair follicles can give you the look of a full, close-cropped head of hair.
Micropigmentation may be used to conceal bald spots and scarring on male and female clients with alopecia areata. The procedure can be repeated or adjusted to help cover bald patches as they appear following a condition flare-up. For individuals with alopecia-related scarring along the hairline, scalp micropigmentation can also help blend the scars into a natural-looking hairline.
2. Use Anti-inflammatory Products
Anti-inflammatory products can help treat or slow down hair loss caused by alopecia, potentially regrowing the lost hair. Corticosteroids are one of the anti-inflammatory medications used to treat hair loss from alopecia. These medications are found in topical creams or administered intramuscularly.
Corticosteroid treatment for alopecia can depend on your age, degree of hair loss, hair loss location, and the duration of your hair loss. In younger children, topical creams may be more suitable for treating bald spots. Injections may be recommended for patchy hair loss in adults and older children.
3. Administer Phototherapy
Practitioners can recommend phototherapy techniques as a treatment option for alopecia areata. Phototherapy involves using special lamps that produce ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light waves, including ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B, are typically combined with a drug that increases the skin’s sensitivity. This allows the skin to absorb the UV waves better and help treat skin disorders like alopecia.
4. Try Contact Immunotherapy
Contact immunotherapy may treat alopecia by preventing the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and causing hair loss. The treatment involves applying a contact allergen or chemical to the affected area, triggering an allergic reaction. This reaction should produce a rash and stimulate hair growth. This treatment can be considered for older children and adults with alopecia areata. It may be recommended until the hair is regrown or results remain unseen after six months.
5. Use a JAK Inhibitor
Some individuals can use a Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor to help treat alopecia areata. This medication is often taken orally and is designed to regulate an overactive immune system. There are two inhibitors that can be taken: Barcitinib and Ritlecitinib. Barcitinib is approved to treat adults with significant alopecia areata, while Ritlecitinib can be taken by individuals who are at least 12 years old. JAK inhibitors can benefit many individuals who face widespread hair loss, including lost eyelashes and eyebrows.
Get a Scalp Tattoo To Manage Alopecia
You can opt for a hair tattoo to conceal balding areas and give you the appearance of a natural-looking buzzed hairstyle. If you’re experiencing thinning or balding spots caused by alopecia areata, a hair tattoo can create the illusion of density using color-matched pigment. An experienced hair tattoo artist can recommend a suitable micropigmentation treatment process and pigment color that matches your skin and hair color. Look for a skilled scalp micropigmentation artist today to help you manage hair loss and scarring caused by alopecia.
