Alopecia Areata: 10 Remedies and Foods that help

Having a long, healthy and good volume of hair is a pride for both girls and boys… Isn’t it? Hair loss is a common problem of all in one or the other stage of life. But what if your hair loss is in only one region of your head!! What if you have inflammation in that region!! Yes, you might be having ALOPECIA AREATA (AA). Approximately, 88% of people facing Alopecia Areata are below 40 years of age, including 24% of children. Often, it results in a few bald patches, which may be managed with simple home remedies and foods mentioned in this blog.

WHAT IS THIS ALOPECIA AREATA?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that means a disease which affects a person’s own immune system. This results in the person’s hair coming out in clusters leaving a bald spot, and also resulting in inflammation. The hair may grow back in the spot later on but it will fall out eventually. For some people, hair may grow permanently afterwards. 

Alopecia areata is common in children and adults of all ages. People with 21-40 years of age are more likely to be affected with AA which is followed by the age group of 1-20 years old, 41-60 years and finally 61-80 years old. If there is any family history of Alopecia areata, their children are 10-51.3% likely to develop AA. Also, male children are more affected by family history than female children.

TYPES OF ALOPECIA AREATA:

Types	Symptoms
Alopecia areata totalis	All the hair on your head is lost
Alopecia areata universalis	Hair is lost from the whole body
Diffuse alopecia areata	Hair loss companied with sudden thinning in the hair
Ophiasis alopecia areata	Hair loss around the sides and back of the head in a band shape

Causes:

When a person is having an autoimmune disease, his own immune system affects his body negatively. In the case of Alopecia areata, it affects the hair. The person who has a family history of AA, asthma, Down’s syndrome, pernicious anaemia, seasonal allergy, thyroid disease or vitiligo may suffer from AA.

Symptoms:

Hair loss is the major symptom of AA. It includes:

• Tiny bald patches may occur in the scalp or other body parts.
• These patches may expand bigger and result in a big bald spot.
• You may experience hair growing back in one spot and falling in another spot.
• You may lose a lot of hair in a very short time especially in cold weather.
• Red, brittle, and pitted fingernails and toenails.

Although bald spots are smooth without any rashes or redness, it might feel itching,tingling and burning before hair loss. 

Also check, REASON FOR HAIR FALL AFTER CHILDBIRTH: POSTPARTUM CHANGES

Home remedies for ALOPECIA AREATA:

For reducing hair loss, it is critical to establish a proper hair care routine in order to reduce breakage and keep the hair you do have full and healthy. Although, every remedy mentioned on the internet might not work for you. Therefore, it is recommended to try any remedy on a smaller patch to check its suitability on your scalp or skin.

1. OIL MASSAGE:

The benefits of hair massage for hair loss control are amazing. It increases blood circulation, reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth in bald spots. Moreover, it keeps you relaxed. Massage gently with lukewarm oil. Coconut oil is best suited but some medicated oil such as rosemary oil, and arnica oil may be beneficial.

Also, check 20 Best Foods for Healthy Hair

2. FENUGREEK:

Fenugreek do wonders to your hair. It helps in reducing the hair loss and growing new hair on the spots. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Strain and apply the fenugreek water to your scalp. Let it rest for 1-2 hours and wash with shampoo. You can also make a paste, apply for about 30 mins and wash off. Repeat this procedure twice a week for better results.

3. AMLA:

For centuries, amla has been used as a cure for many hair issues. Amla, a rich source of vitamin C, can be used either in your diet or as an external application. Heat coconut oil with amla powder until it turns brownish-black. Once it is cooled, apply to your roots. Rest it for 2 hours and wash with shampoo. If this feels too sticky for you, then try mixing amla juice with lemon juice and apply it on your scalp. Massage it gently and leave it for about 2 hours. Wash off clean.

4.BHRINGRAJ:

Bhringraj is commonly known for its benefits on hair and for hair loss control and regrowth of hair. Make a paste of fresh Bhringraj leaves and apply it on the scalp. Leave it for 45 mins and then wash as usual. If you don’t have fresh leaves, then try the tablets or powders available in the market.

5.ESSENTIAL OILS:

Essential oils are one of the greatest tips for hair care. They have antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and antibiotic properties too. It helps hair growth and boost circulation. Rosemary oil, geranium oil and tea tree oil are a few to mention. You can mix a few drops of any of these oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Massage it on your scalp. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash thoroughly. DO NOT USE CONCENTRATED ESSENTIAL OILS.

6.ALOE VERA:

Aloe vera is an all-rounder. It reduces skin

inflammation, scaliness, itching, irritation and moisturises the skin too. Moreover, aloe vera helps in reducing. It prevents hair loss and liberates the hair follicles blocked by excessive oil secretion. Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel to the scalp. Rub a little. Rest for a good 20 minutes and wash off normally as you would.

7.ONION JUICE:

Although onions have a strong odour and can drive you insane, they will eliminate your tears when it comes to hair loss. It’s a good remedy for hair loss control as it increases the blood supply. If you use this on a regular basis you will notice shiny, thicker and longer hair. Make onion juice by grinding. Apply it evenly on the scalp. Massage gently. Leave it for 30 minutes. Wash normally.

8.EGG HAIR MASK:

Eggs are rich in Sulphur, protein, zinc and phosphorus. It is an excellent remedy for hair loss control. This is because it promotes hair growth, prevents split ends and strengthens the strands.  Mix an egg with a teaspoon of honey and olive oil. Apply it on the scalp and massage it well. Leave it for 20-30 minutes. Wash with cold water.

9. REGULAR WASHING AND HEALTHY DIET:

Regular washing of hair will help to keep the scalp and the hair clean and healthy. It is important to use chemical-free hair care products to reduce breakage and hair loss. A healthy diet and the consumption of plenty of water will help in nourishing the hair from inside and promote hair growth.

10. HIBISCUS:

This flower is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, amino acids, mucilage fibre, moisture content and antioxidants. It helps prevent hair loss and stimulates regrowth from dormant follicles and also reduces the greying of hair. Another healthy hair tip for hair loss situations and dry hair is to add hibiscus petals to your hair oil & then massage your scalp using this oil.

FOODS FOR HAIR LOSS CONTROL AND REGROWTH OF HAIR IN BALD SPOTS:

Diet and nutrition plays a significant role in developing the strength of your hair. There are various foods, nutrients, herbs and essential oils for hair loss control and for hair growth that can help to prevent/cure hair loss and bald spots.

PROTEIN RICH FOODS: 

Hair is made up of 95% protein. Absorbable proteins must be a part of diet. Some good sources of proteins include legumes, soy, lentils, eggs, fish, beans and dairy products.   (Also check, Top nuts and seeds for protein)

VITAMIN B RICH FOODS:

Biotin, a vitamin associated with hair growth, is an essential one to be consumed. Natural sources of vitamin B include dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, eggs, milk, cheese, yoghurt, Salmon and legumes. (Also check, What are the reasons for hair loss in kids?)

IRON RICH FOODS:

Anaemia is one of the major reasons for hair loss. Iron helps in carrying oxygen to your cell. And as hair follicles are nourished by blood supply it is important to have iron rich foods. Good natural sources of iron include spinach, legumes, nuts and seeds, quinoa, dates, beetroot, broccoli, dark chocolate, fishes, ragi.

VITAMIN E RICH FOODS:

The antioxidant properties of vitamin E have been hailed for its skin and hair benefits. It helps in reducing hair loss to some extent. Also, vitamin E improves overall scalp, hair health and adds shine to the hair. This vitamin is easily found in nuts, sunflower seeds, soya oil, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, olive oil, sunflower oil, avocado and kiwi.

VITAMIN D RICH FOODS:

Vitamin D stimulates the new and old hair follicles. Low levels of which can cause hair loss. Some foods rich in this vitamin include fishes, mushrooms, ghee, certain cereals, milk and egg yolk. (Why calcium and vitamin D are important?)

VITAMIN C RICH FOODS:

One of the roles of vitamin C in the body is to create a protein collagen which is an important part of hair structure. Moreover, it assists the absorption of iron. Vitamin C is abundantly found in citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, peppers, broccoli and kale.                     

(Also check, Which food is the house of vitamin C?)

ZINC RICH FOOD:

The deficiency of zinc is one of the reasons for hair loss. This is because zinc has its major part of play in hair growth and hair repair. Food high in zinc comprises pumpkin seeds, whole grains, milk products, poultry, beans, nuts, dark chocolate. (Also check, Foods that can help to get best skin and hair)

COLLAGEN: 

Collagen, as studies suggest, is one of the main reasons for hair loss and hair thinning. It is a protein which helps to build your connective tissues like bones, ligaments, cartilage and also improves skin, hair, nails, joints and digestion. It can be commonly found in fish, chicken, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries and garlic.

(Also check, Which foods can help with acne?)

MORINGA:

Moringa is loaded with nutrients such as Zinc, vitamin A, B, C and E and essential amino acids. It is rich in chlorophyll and antioxidants which helps to nourish your hair. It helps restore strength, promotes hair growth and also repairs damaged hair. (Is this really a superfood to prevent most of the ailments?)

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