Alopecia, a condition involving hair loss on the body and head, can be frustrating and have a serious impact on your self-esteem. If you have been diagnosed with alopecia or believe you have it, you might wonder whether it will get worse or even if the symptoms could improve over time.
Can Alopecia Get Worse?
Alopecia does not always get worse over time. Many people with this condition, which results from an immune reaction, deal with bald patches that do not grow in size or number.
However, that is not always the case. For example, some people have a type of alopecia areata that can worsen over time. This is known as regressive alopecia, and it may be more common in people who develop the condition at a younger age. Some bald patches may get bigger for some people, and smaller spots can combine to form larger ones, or more bald patches may appear over time.
Other factors can increase the likelihood of alopecia becoming worse, including stress and illnesses, which can cause a flare-up. Some people might notice that eating certain foods contributes to their hair loss. Physical damage to your hair or scalp can also make your alopecia more likely to worsen.
Does Alopecia Ever Get Better?
While there is currently no known cure for alopecia areata, there are various treatments available that can assist in promoting hair regrowth at a faster rate.
The recovery process varies from person to person, with hair regrowth being a possibility for some individuals while not guaranteed for others. Individuals experiencing alopecia areata may undergo multiple cycles of hair loss and regrowth, occurring either in previously affected areas or in new patches.
New hair growth typically becomes visible within approximately 10 to 12 weeks when treatment is effective. When hair regrows, it may initially appear lighter than its usual color. However, this is a temporary phase that will eventually resolve.
What Alopecia Treatments Exist?
Some medications can help to control alopecia spread and flare-ups. You might experience relief from corticosteroids, Minoxidil, topical immunotherapy, or JAK inhibitors. If you are not a good fit for these medications, low-level light therapy may help improve symptoms of alopecia. It may even be possible to combine multiple treatment options to help slow or reverse the effects of alopecia.
Find Relief for Alopecia in Plantation, FL
Plantation Dermatology is ready to help you address concerns about hair loss and alopecia with a variety of effective treatment options. Contact us today at (954) 577-5161 for more information.
