And an estimated 5 to 10 percent of the disease’s victims will never get their hair back. Those victims most unlikely to regain hair include those who are affected for more than a year, those who have a family history of the disease, pre-pubescent children and those with other autoimmune diseases.
Surgical Treatments for Alopecia
While no drugs on the market are specifically designed to treat alopecia areata, there are some that aim to promote hair regrowth. The downside is that the products must be used long term to make the hair growth permanent.
There are also surgical alternatives, in which sections of the scalp are tightened in the hairless regions to move the hair on your head closer together, giving the illusion of one seamless region. Then with styling, it can make it seem like there is not a problem.
It is also possible to have hair plug transplants. This involves surgical insertion of hair into the scalp, with hopes that the plugs sprout and grow, creating new regions of hair.
Drug Treatments for Hair Loss
Some adults prefer to treat alopecia areata with corticosteroids. This can be done either via direct injection, oral medications, or topical creams, foams, gels or other ointments.