Alopecia Areata refers to loss of hair in patches, usually on the scalp. However, any other body part covered with hair may also be affected. When alopecia areata appears in the beard, it is known as alopecia areata barbae.

Alopecia affects people of all ages, races, and sexes equally. Bald patches on one’s head, beard and eyebrows can be 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 very advanced science capable of treating diseases that have an autoimmune origin, including alopecia areata. It provides a safe, effective and permanent solution to this problem by targeting the root cause. Initially, homeopathic medicines stop the size of the bald spots from growing any further and subsequently prevent the formation of new bald patches. As the treatment progresses, the homeopathic medicines help in the regrowth of hair. Moreover, once alopecia areata is treated with homeopathy, the chances of the problem recurring are reduced a great deal. In conventional mode, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs are mainly used to treat alopecia areata that are either applied topically/injected into the scalp or taken orally. This mode of treatment suppresses the immune system, exhibits side effects and is incapable of preventing new bald patches from appearing. Therefore, homeopathy can be a very safe alternative treatment mode that prescribes medicine in the form of sweet pills, which are easy to ingest and are very effective. They set in order the internal disturbances the immune system has been hit by, rather than suppressing them, and have the added advantage of being free from side effects.

Homeopathy optimizes immune system

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

Individualized prescription

For each and every case of alopecia areata, there is an individualized treatment scope and prescription in homeopathy. The medicines are prescribed based on the unique characteristic symptoms of the patient. The selected and customized remedies for each case of alopecia areata can bring about wonderful results. However, to administer homeopathic medicines, a qualified homeopath’s advice should be strictly adhered to vis-à-vis its dosage, potency and repetition, treating each case separately. Self-medication should be strictly avoided.

Homeopathy has zero side effects

Homeopathic medicines are derived from naturally obtained substances. These medicines do not contain harmful chemicals and are considered safe to use. They can be administered by people of all age groups without concerns about toxic effects or adverse reactions.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Alopecia Areata

The top eight homeopathic remedies to treat Alopecia Areata effectively are Fluoric Acid, Phosphorus, Lycopodium Clavatum, Calcarea Carbonica, Vinca Minor and Hepar Sulph, Natrum muriaticum and Thuja Occidentalis.

1. Fluoric Acid – Top-Grade Homeopathic Medicine

Fluoric Acid is one of the best homeopathic remedies for alopecia areata. It is suited best for hair fall in patches that surface on any part of the scalp. It helps wonderfully in regrowth of the hair on the bald patches. Those who need it may have an itchy scalp, too. The scalp may be sensitive to touch.

When to use Fluoric Acid?

This medicine can be administered in cases of alopecia areata that appear anywhere on the scalp. An accompanying symptom is that the scalp is itchy and sensitive.

How to use Fluoric Acid?

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

Though Phosphorus can be used for hair loss in any portion of the scalp, it is most suitable if hair loss from the front or the sides is more noticeable. Those who need it may have a tendency to excessive sweating on the scalp. Heat may also be felt on the scalp, and 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 of the scalp.

How to use Phosphorus?

Though it can be administered in any potency from low to high, the most frequently recommended is 30C potency. Phosphorus 30C can be administered two times a day for the best possible results.

Lycopodium is a natural remedy derived from the club moss plant. It is particularly effective in treating bald patches that mainly appear on top of the scalp, often accompanied by burning and itching sensations. In addition, Lycopodium is a well-known remedy for managing premature greying of hair.

When to use Lycopodium?

This medicine can be administered 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 begin with 30C potency two times a day. Its higher potencies can be thought of later, but only after consulting a qualified homeopath.

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

When to use Calcarea Carb?

It is recommended for those who have hair loss in spots accompanied by increased sweating on the scalp.

How to use Calcarea Carb?

It is prescribed in different potencies ranging from low to high depending on the type of symptoms presented, but the most common dosage is 30C potency. Calcarea Carb 30C can be taken once in the morning and once in the evening forthe  best possible results.

This medicine is prepared from the plant ‘ lesser periwinkle’. It is useful in treating cases of alopecia areata where hair falls takes place in patches and is often replaced by grey/white hair. These cases may also be accompanied by itching and an intensely felt need to scratch the scalp.

When to use Vinca Minor?

This medicine is specifically administered in cases where 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 administered in 30C potency two times daily. It works in a two-pronged manner —treats the tendency to lose hair in spots and prevents the greying of hair that grows again.

Hepar Sulph is a medicine that helps cure hair loss that takes place in spots, along with sensitivity to the scalp. Itching and burning on the scalp may also be an accompanying factor. There can be increased sweating on the scalp and it smells sour.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

This medicine can be prescribed for those who suffer from hair loss in patches, accompanied by scalp sensitivity and tenderness on touch.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

It works well in 30C potency. Normally, the use of this medicine is limited to once or twice daily. Higher potencies are not recommended until a physician suggests.

7. Natrum Muriaticum – for Stress-Induced Alopecia Areata

Natrum Muriaticum is well administered for alopecia areata, especially when hair loss is clearly defined, round patches appear on the surface following emotional stress, grief, disappointment, or prolonged mental strain. It is particularly suited to individuals who are reserved, sensitive, and tend to suppress emotions. Hair may become dry, thin and brittle, often accompanied by dandruff. There is increased hair fall on the sides or margins of the scalp.

When to use Natrum Muriaticum?

It works wonders when alopecia areata develops post-emotional stress, grief, or due to long-standing suppression.

How to use Natrum Muriaticum?

It can be initiated in 30C potency once or twice daily. Higher potencies such 200C, 1M should be prescribed only after consulting a qualified homoeopath.

8. Thuja Occidentalis – Smooth Bald Patches with Greasy Scalp

Thuja Occidentalis is a well-administered medicine for alopecia areata when hair loss occurs in distinct, smooth, round patches, often associated with a greasy scalp, presence of dandruff, or smelly perspiration of the scalp. It is particularly useful in cases where alopecia develops after repeated infections, long-term medication, or vaccination. Hair may be dry, brittle, or fall prematurely, and regrowth is often gradual.

When to use Thuja Occidentalis?

It works very well when hair loss appears in smooth, well-defined patches with a greasy scalp, there is the presence of dandruff, or offensive perspiration on the scalp.

How to use Thuja Occidentalis?

It can be administered with 30C potency once daily.

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.