If you suspect you have alopecia areata, it's best to visit a dermatologist. The doctor would inquire about your symptoms and inspect the bald patches. They may check the strength and texture of individual hairs and pull slightly to see if they come off under light pressure too. Since nails also carry symptoms of this condition, they may inspect your nails too.
There is no proven cure for this disorder. But some treatments can help in the hair regrowth and prevent it from falling again.
1. Minoxidil
It is an over-the-counter medicine suitable for people who have mild to moderate alopecia areata. It needs to be applied regularly and can take years to show effects.
2. Topical Immunotherapy
This method uses the chemical diphencyprone to induce an allergic rash on the scalp or skin. The rash might resemble poison oak, and it can stimulate the growth of hair within 5-6 months. It is advisable to be consistent with the treatment to get effective results.
3. Anthralin
This drug is also a dritho-scalp drug that irritates the skin to spur hair regrowth in the body.
4. Steroid injections
This treatment is for those who experience very mild and patchy alopecia. Steroids are injected through tiny needles into the bare skin in some affected areas to promote hair regrowth. However, this treatment needs to be repeated after every 1-2 months.
5. Creams
Corticosteroids in the form of ointments, foams, and lotions also work wonders since it tends to decrease inflammation in your hair follicle.