Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder that can be challenging yet not impossible to treat.

“Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, early detection and diagnosis can lead to treatment interventions that can delay or prevent increased hair loss,” says Michele Green, MD, a New York City–based cosmetic dermatologist who also specializes in alopecia treatment.

“People with mild disease often respond to corticosteroids, which can be injected directly into the scalp or applied topically,” explains Brittany Craiglow, MD, of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut and associate adjunct professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven. “For those with severe or recalcitrant disease, a class of medicines known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors has emerged as a more promising targeted treatment.”

Here’s a look at these AA treatments and others currently available, as well as potential future therapies you may discuss with your dermatologist.

Oral medications are one of the first treatment methods your dermatologist may consider for treating AA. These may include:

In addition to stopping the immune system’s attack from the inside through oral medications, your doctor may recommend several topical treatments to help stop hair loss and promote hair growth, such as:

Minoxidil (Rogaine) Available over the counter for pattern hair loss, minoxidil is sometimes recommended to help stimulate hair regrowth in alopecia areata. “Minoxidil works by relaxing the blood vessels making it easier for blood circulation to the scalp,” explains Dr. Green. “The increased blood flow strengthens the hair follicle, promoting hair growth. It also has the benefit of maintaining the hair you currently have.”

Some medications used to treat AA are applied topically, but others may be injected into the treatment area by a dermatologist. Injections used in the treatment of AA include injectable corticosteroids.

“Steroid injections to areas where you have experienced hair loss can suppress the immune system cells that are attacking the hair follicles and give your hair time to regrow,” says Green.

“PRP has concentrated blood plasma, which contains platelet-derived growth factors and proteins,” says Green. “PRP contains up to 5 times more platelets than normal blood. Restoring the health of the hair follicles can reverse hair loss.”

To date, no particular diet or lifestyle changes are thought to prevent or treat alopecia areata.

“We do not have any strong evidence to support dietary or lifestyle changes for alopecia areata, and unfortunately there are no natural remedies that have been shown to be effective,” Dr. Craiglow confirms.

However, healthy habits overall may help offset some of the triggers and side effects associated with AA. These may include:

The earlier you seek treatment, the better the chances of hair regrowth at some point in your AA journey. “Getting treatment for hair loss in its early stages can help minimize overall hair loss and increase treatment efficacy,” says Green.

Craiglow also stresses the importance of early treatment. “For people who have not had hair for more than 7 to 10 years, the chance of regrowth, even with targeted therapies like JAK inhibitors, starts to decrease somewhat,” she explains.

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