Top 6 Homeopathic Remedies For Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata refers to the loss of hair in patches, usually on the scalp, however any other body part covered with hair can also be affected. When alopecia areata appears in the beard, it is known as alopecia areata barbae. Alopecia affects all ages, races, and sexes equally. Having bald patches on one’s head, beard and eyebrows can be very distressing. Although it does not affect the patient’s health in any other form, it affects a person’s psyche with its sudden onset, recurrent episodes, and its unpredictable course.

Homeopathy is a highly advanced science capable of treating diseases of autoimmune origin including alopecia areata. It can provide a safe, effective and permanent solution to this problem by targeting the root cause behind it. Initially homeopathic medicines stop the size of the bald spots from enlarging and prevent the formation of new bald spots. Afterwards, they help in promoting regrowth of hair. Moreover, once alopecia areata is treated with homeopathy, the chances of the problem reoccurring are greatly reduced. In conventional mode, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs are being mainly used to treat alopecia areata that are either applied topically/injected in the scalp or taken orally (via mouth). This treatment mode suppresses the immune system, exhibits side effects and is incapable of preventing new bald patches from appearing. So, homeopathy can be a very safe alternative treatment option that dispenses medicine in the form of sweet pills which are easy to consume and are highly effective. They work internally to correct the internal disturbances in the immune system rather than suppress them, and have an added advantage of being free from side effects.

Homeopathy optimizes immune system

Homeopathic medicines for alopecia areata help by optimizing the overactive immune system that is destroying the hair follicles. This treatment proves to be fairly successful as it helps the hair grow back and prevents formation of bald spots time and again.

Individualized prescription

In homeopathy, an individualized prescription is done in each and every case of alopecia areata. The medicines are selected based on the unique characteristic signs and symptoms of the patient in every case. The well-selected and customized remedies for every case of alopecia areata can bring wonderful cures. To select homeopathic medicines for any case of alopecia areata, expert guidance from a homeopath is required as the medicine, its dosage, potency and repetition varies from case to case. Self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathy has zero side effects

Homeopathy uses medicines prepared from naturally occurring substances. These does not contain any harmful chemicals in it. Hence are very safe to use with zero side effects. These can be used by persons of all age groups without any worries about any toxic effects.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Alopecia Areata

The six top-ranking homeopathic medicines that treat Alopecia Areata effectively are Fluoric Acid, Phosphorus, Lycopodium, Calcarea Carb, Vinca Minor and Hepar Sulph.

1. Fluoric Acid – Top-Grade Homeopathic Medicine

Fluoric Acid is one of the best homeopathic remedies for alopecia areata. It works well for hair fall in patches occurring in any part of the scalp. It helps wonderfully in the regrowth of hair in bald patches. Those needing it may have an itchy scalp too. The scalp may be sensitive to touch.

When to use Fluoric Acid?

This medicine can be used in cases of alopecia areata with bald patches anywhere on the scalp which is itchy and sensitive.

How to use Fluoric Acid?

Initially, Fluoric Acid 30C can be used two to three times a day. Once the hair starts to regrow, the dose should be reduced.

2. Phosphorus –With Hair Loss From Front Or Sides Of Scalp

Though Phosphorus can be used for hair loss in any portion of the scalp, it is most suitable when hair loss from the front or the sides is prominent. Those needing it may have a tendency of excessive sweating on the scalp. Heat may also be felt on the scalp, dandruff may also be present.

When to use Phosphorus?

The use of Phosphorus is mainly suggested when patches of hair loss occur especially from the front or side portion of the scalp.

How to use Phosphorus?

Though it can be taken in any potency from low to high but the most frequently recommended is 30C potency. Phosphorus 30C can be taken twice a day for good results.

3. Lycopodium –When Hair Loss Is Marked On Top Of Scalp (Vertex)

Lycopodium is a natural remedy sourced from plant club moss. It works well in recovering from bald patches that occur mainly on the top of the scalp. The person suffers burning sensation and itching on the scalp. Apart from this, Lycopodium is a leading medicine to treat premature greying of hair.

When to use Lycopodium?

This medicine can be considered when patches of hair loss occur on the top of the scalp.

How to use Lycopodium?

Among its various potencies ranging from low to high, it is best to start with 30C potency twice a day. Its higher potencies can be considered afterward but only after consulting a homeopathic physician.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Hair Loss With Sweaty Scalp

This medicine can be used in cases where patchy hair loss is accompanied by increased sweating on the scalp. A cold sensation on the scalp may also be felt. Scalp can be itchy as well.

When to use Calcarea Carb?

It is recommended for persons who have hair loss in spots attended with increased sweating on the scalp.

How to use Calcarea Carb?

It is used in different potencies ranging from low to high depending on the type of complaint but the most common in use is 30C potency. Calcarea Carb 30C can be taken once in the morning and once in the evening for best results.

5. Vinca Minor –Tendency Of Alopecia Areata When Regrown Hair Are White

This medicine is prepared from the plant ‘lesser periwinkle’. It is useful in treating alopecia areata cases where there is a tendency for hair to fall in spots which then get replaced by white hair. Along with this, itching and violent scratching over the scalp may also be present.

When to use Vinca Minor?

This medicine is specifically used in cases in which there is a tendency for hair loss in spots and regrowth of white hair in its place.

How to use Vinca Minor?

This medicine can be taken in 30C potency twice a day. It works two ways — in treating the tendency to have hair loss in spots and preventing whitening of hair that grows back.

6. Hepar Sulph – With Sensitivity Of Scalp To Touch

Hepar Sulph is a beneficial medicine to help cases of hair loss in spots along with sensitivity of the scalp to touch. Itching and burning on scalp may also attend. There can be increased sweating on the scalp that smells sour.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine can be opted for in cases where hair loss in patches occurs, accompanied by the sensitivity of the scalp to touch.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

It works well in 30C potency. Normally the use of this medicine is limited to once to twice in a day. Higher potencies are not recommended until a physician asks you to do so.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata shows up as bald (hair loss) patches. The loss of hair occurs in circular or oval patches from the scalp or elsewhere such as eyebrows, beard, etc. The bald patches are usually of the size of a five-rupee coin or one-rupee coin and are smooth to touch. Complete loss of hair may also occur in some individuals although it is not very common.

The most common areas for alopecia areata are the scalp and the beard but may involve any body part with hair. There may be one, or multiple bald patches.  Few people complain of itching when hair starts falling. There is no physical discomfort associated with it.

Other than typical circular or oval shape patches of alopecia areata, there are some rare types of alopecia areata:

Alopecia areata totalis –  Loss of hair from the entire scalp

Alopecia areata universalis – Loss of hair from full body occur

Ophiasis alopecia areata – Band-like hair loss on the temporal area (sides) and occiput area (back of the head)

Diffuse alopecia areata – Hair loss starts abruptly instead of patchy hair loss

Causes, Risk Factors and Trigger Factors

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease (the body’s defense cells start destroying the body’s healthy tissues out of a misdirected response). In alopecia areata, the defense cells start destroying hair follicles resulting in bald patches. The immune cells attack the hair follicle matrix of some of the hair that is in the growth phase. Following this, these strands of hair prematurely (before their complete formation and maturation) pass into a phase where hair stops growing. The hair follicle stem cells are not damaged so the ability of the hair follicles to regenerate is not affected at all. Why? Immune cells that target hair follicles here are still unknown. However, it is thought that heredity and genetics play a significant role in alopecia areata. Patients suffering from alopecia areata very often mentioned by a family member suffering from the same condition. It is estimated that one in five persons suffering from alopecia areata has someone in the family who has the same problem. As per research, persons having alopecia areata might also have a history of some other autoimmune disease (for example, vitiligo  – white patches on the skin due to lack of melanin pigment; thyroiditis  – inflammation of the thyroid gland) or some other family member might be suffering from some autoimmune disease. Some factors viral infections, vaccines, and physical stress can trigger alopecia areata.

How common is alopecia areata and does it cause permanent hair loss?

Alopecia areata is a fairly common condition and about one percent of the population is affected at any given time. The hair loss in alopecia areata is not permanent. Alopecia areata is a reversible hair loss as the follicles (a structure that encloses the root of the hair) of hair are not damaged.

How to diagnose alopecia areata?

A doctor can quickly diagnose cases of alopecia areata simply by looking at the pattern of hair loss / bald spots. In very rare cases, samples of hair or scalp biopsy can be sent to the lab for evaluation. Sometimes blood tests can be recommended to check for other autoimmune diseases.