Topical minoxidil acts as a temporary measure in alopecia areata, bridging the gap until hair starts growing again on its own. Zinc Oral zinc has been shown to be of occasional benefit in Alopecia Areata and appears to possess an immunomodulatory effect as well as an anti-androgenetic effect. However very high doses are needed for it to be effective and this may result in side effects which can include vomiting and diarrhoea. According to the National Alopecia Areata foundation of America, cortisones taken internally are much more powerful than local injections into the skin. PUVA Puva treatment involves taking a psoralen which is a light sensitive drug and then undergoing a short exposure to UVA which is a long-wave ultraviolet light.
Treatment takes place over a three to six week period with sessions two to three times a week.
When irritants or allergens are applied to the scalp they cause an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction then draws the T-lymohcytes away from the hair follicle, thus allowing the hair a chance to start regrowing. Immuno-suppressive drugs Immuno suppressive drugs where developed to stop the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs following transplant surgery.