First of all, there are no cures for alopecia areata yet. Nor are there drugs which have been approved for its treatment. However, many people find that other medications that are used for other purposes can assist with their hair re-growth, even if it is only temporary. Anyone using these treatments should bear in mind that although these treatments can help hair re-growth, they will not prevent any new patches from occurring or cure the disease itself. As always you should consult with your physician if you want to try any treatments that he has not prescribed.

Listed below are examples of medications that can assist with hair re-growth:

Local injections of steroids are injected into the hairless patches on the scalp, brow and beard, and can help increase hair re-growth. Of course like many treatments it may is not successful in everybody. The hair re-growth usually takes approximately four weeks. Small amounts of cortisone are injected into affected areas. This method avoids the side effects of oral long term use. There are however, certain side effects that can be experienced such as transient pain, mild swelling and occasional changes with pigmentation. The injections are painful so they are not a preferred method of treatment, especially in children. Also the injections need to be repeated on a monthly basis. They work by the cortisone removing bad cells so the hair can be allowed to grow back. Unfortunately a major drawback is that large areas cannot be treated because of the amount of pain involved. Also similar side effects to oral medication can become present if taken too frequently.

Corticosteroids are powerful drugs similar to cortisol hormone which is a hormone produced by the body. They are anti-inflammatory drugs and suppress the immune system if administered orally. These drugs are used to treat a number of autoimmune types of diseases such as alopecia areata. They are be taken orally for extensive alopecia, however there is a risk of cataracts and hypertension, so these are only used over a shorter periods of time. Corticosteroids can also be taken in ointments or creams which contain steroids and these are rubbed directly onto the bald patch. They are less traumatic than injections although they are also not as effective. Ointments and creams such as these work best when they are taken in conjunction with other topical treatments such as anthralin or minoxidil.

Minoxidil (example of brand name) solution can promote the growth of hair where the hair follicle has become small and has not grown to its full potential. It is also a FDA approved medication for treating male and female pattern hair loss, along with alopecia areata. The solution can be used twice a day to help hair re-growth in children as well as adults. The hair normally appears around the 12th week.

Anthralin is a tar-like synthetic substance the changes the immune function in the skin that has been affected. It can be applied for twenty to sixty minutes to avoid an irritation to the skin. New hair usually appears between eight and twelve weeks. Anthralin can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as corticosteroid injections and minoxidil.

Sulfasalazine is a sulfa drug that is used to treat a number of anti-immune disorders. It is effective when treating psoriasis and has been known to be effective for those people suffering with alopecia areata.

Topical sensitizers are medications that are applied to the scalp to attempt an allergic reaction, which will cause itching, scaling then hair growth. The new hair is visible in three to twelve months if the medication is effective. Their consistency and safety of these topical medications are still under review.

Oral cyclosporine this was initially developed to prevent a person's immune system from rejecting organ transplants. It can be used to suppress the immune system's response in immune related skin conditions, although this can lead to problems such as serious infections and an increased risk of skin cancer. Even though this medication can help hair re-grow in alopecia area, it does not cure the disease and many doctors are reluctant to use it due to the additional risks involved in using it as a treatment.

hotochemotherapy is a treatment that is usually used to treat psoriasis. The patient is administered a light sensitive drug known as psoralen topically or orally before being exposed to an ultraviolet light source. Approximately 55% people experience hair re-growth using this method, although unfortunately there is a high relapse rate. A patient is required to visit a treatment establishment at least two to three times a week due to the equipment that is required. This obviously makes it difficult for some people to attend.

Alternative therapies - some people turn to alternative therapies when other drug treatments fail to assist with their problems associated with hair re-growth. Methods such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, zinc, evening primrose oil, Chinese herbs and vitamin supplements have all been known to have varying degrees of success though many of these therapies have not been clinically trialled so their effectiveness are unknown.

It is also thought that some may even make the hair loss worse. Anyone thinking of using natural therapies to combat their hair loss should always remember that even though these therapies are natural it doesn't always mean they are deemed safe to be used by everyone. You should always discuss treatments with either a medical professional or natural remedies expert before use.

As well as using the above treatments, there are other measures that can be taken to keep the physical dangers or discomforts to a minimum:

Sunglasses to protect the eyes from dust, sun, and debris, especially when the eyebrows and eyelashes are missing.

Sun cream us important for all exposed areas, especially the scalp and face. Caps, scarves and wigs can be worn to protect the scalp from the sun and elements.

Antibiotic ointment can be applies to the inside of the nostrils to protect the nasal area from organisms which can invade the nose when nasal hair is missing.