Although there are currently no treatments that work for everyone with Alopecia, some treatments are effective for some people. Depending on which type of Alopecia  you have, your age and the extent of hair loss, there are a variety of treatment options available. The main goals of treatment are to block the immune system attack and/or stimulate the regrowth of hair. 

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Injections of corticosteroids

To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist will inject this medication into the bald areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist’s office for treatment. This is considered the most effective treatment for people who have a few patches of hair loss. In one study of 127 patients with patchy hair loss, more than 80% who were treated with these injections had at least half of their hair regrow within 12 weeks.

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Minoxidil

Also known by the brand name Rogaine®, minoxidil can help you keep the hair growth stimulated by another treatment. You will need to apply it 2 to 3 times a day. It’s helpful for the scalp, beard area, and eyebrows.

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Corticosteroids 

You apply this medication to the bald spots once or twice a day as instructed by your dermatologist. This medication tends to be less effective in adults than in children for hair regrowth.

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Anthralin

You apply this medication to the bald spots, let it sit on the skin for as long as your dermatologist says, and then wash it off. It will cause some skin irritation. To get the best results, you’ll also use minoxidil.

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Contact immunotherapy

Also called topical immunotherapy, the goal of this treatment is to change your immune system so that it stops attacking your hair follicles. Dermatologists have:

• Used this treatment for more than 30 years to treat widespread Alopecia 

• Found that about 60% to 70% of patients have some hair regrowth

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Methotrexate

If you have extensive hair loss and other treatments have not worked, this medication may be an option. In looking at studies of patients who have taken methotrexate to treat Alopecia, dermatologists have found the following :

• In a small study of patients who had complete loss of hair on their scalp or entire body, 57% had complete regrowth with methotrexate.

• If this medication works for you, you should see some regrowth in about 3 months after you begin taking it.

• If methotrexate fully regrows your hair, regrowth will take 6 to 12 months.

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Wig, hairpiece, or scalp prosthesis

Your dermatologist may recommend this option for a few reasons. Treatment takes time, and a wig or hairpiece can cover up hair loss right way. This is important if hair loss has lowered your self-esteem or is causing you to feel anxious or depressed. Treatment also has possible side effects. To avoid these, some people prefer to cover up their hair loss. It’s also possible that treatment may not work.