Alopecia Areata
Description
Alopecia, simply, refers to hair loss.
Most commonly it takes the form of male pattern baldness: androgenetic alopecia.
Odd bald patches can also occur, for no apparent reason, disappear as suddenly but return from time to time. This is the form of the condition noted herein: alopecia areata.
Hair loss can also be total from the head, often associated with cancer treatments: alopecia totalis.
Hair loss can even be universal , from every part of the body: alopecia universalis.
Women may also suffer temporary and reversible hair loss due to hormonal changes, associated with pregnancy or menopause.
Only one drug has shown much benefit in certain cases, apparently linked to hypertension: minoxidil.
Causes
Cancer treatments and childbirth are the most widely recognized causes. It may also be due to stress, notably prolonged illness.
Infection can also damage hair growth, especially ringworm (tinea capitis).
Arsenic and cadmium toxicities have also been implicated.
Poor diet and vitamin deficiencies will certainly compound the problem (even if they are not directly responsible); also, scalp and hair condition should improve if nutritional changes are made.
Signs & Symptoms
It becomes quite obvious, during normal grooming, if clumps of hair adhere to the brush, or comb.
Other auto-immune disorders may also be present.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Hair, Skin and Nail Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | ||
| B complex | 100 mg b.i.d. | |
| Biotin | 50 mg t.i.d. | |
| EPO | 1 - 4 g | |
| Inositol | 100 mg b.i.d. | |
| Niacin | 50 mg t.i.d. | |
| Pantothenic acid | 100 mg | |
| Pyridoxine | 50 mg t.i.d. | |
| Riboflavin | 50 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 3,000 - 6,000 | |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 800 iu | |
| Copper | 3 mg | |
| Zinc | 50 - 100 mg |
Note 1: If the immune system is suspect, thymus gland supplementation may be useful.
Note 2: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Good food sources of biotin may be useful, in place of, or in addition to, biotin supplements. These include:
brewer's yeast , brown rice, green peas, lentils, oats and walnuts.
Too many foods rich in vitamin A (beta carotene) may also be a consideration if large doses (in excess of 100,000 IU) are being used.
Homeopathic Remedy
Galium
Medorrhinum
Psorinum
Sulphur
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Tissue Salts
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Horsetail
Note : The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Herbal, or organic, sources are usually recommended instead of the harsh chemicals often found in commercial shampoos and conditioners.
This can include apple cider vinegar and sage tea.
Horsetail, because it is a good source of silica, is usually beneficial to hair.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Lavender Essence, | Rosemary Essence, |
| Thuja Essence, | Ylang-Ylang Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Auto-immune disorders
Cancer
Chemotherapy
Radiation Sickness
References
Asanuma N et al., Alopecia universalis with remission during pregnancy and prednisolone therapy. Am J Med Sci, 1997 Jan, 313:1, 67-9.
Ford-ES et al: Baldness and ischemic heart disease in a national sample of men. Am-J-Epidemiol. 1996 Apr 1; 143(7): 651-7.
Griffith-RS et al: Making cancer chemotherapy tolerable. Patient-Care, 1995 Mar 30; 29(6): 65-8, 71-5, 79-80 (9 ref 10 bib).
Guarrera M et al., Quantitating hair loss in women: a critical approach. Dermatology, 1997, 194:1, 12-6.
Helm-TN: Evaluation of alopecia. JAMA. 1995 Mar 15; 273(11): 897-8
Jemec GB & Thomsen K: Pincer nails and alopecia as markers of gastrointestinal malignancy. J Dermatol, 1997 Jul, 24:7, 479-81.
Mutevelic-Arslanagic-N: [The effect of nutritional deficiency on hair roots (trichogram)]. Med-Arh. 1994; 48(2): 57-9.
Münstedt K et al., Changes in self-concept and body image during alopecia induced cancer chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer, 1997 Mar, 5:2, 139-43.
Ron IG et al., Scalp cooling in the prevention of alopecia in patients receiving depilating chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer, 1997 Mar, 5:2, 136-8.
Treem-WR: Ulcerative colitis and total alopecia in a mother and her son. Gastroenterology. 1993 Apr; 104(4): 1187-91
Wise RPet al., Hair loss after routine immunizations. JAMA, 1997 Oct 8, 278:14, 1176-8.
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