Does Steroids Or Minoxidil Cause Many Side Effects In Alopecia Areata?

Hair loss occurs for a variety of reasons, which include physiological, environmental and genetic factors. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss. In most cases, hair loss occurs in patches across the scalp. If you lose complete hair from your head due to it, you suffer from alopecia totalis. Moreover, if you lose hair from all over the body, this extreme case is known as alopecia universalis.

How is alopecia areata treated?

Doctors have two options when it comes to the treatment of alopecia areata. The first is to reduce the immune response of the body causing the hair loss. For this, your doctor will prescribe immunosuppressants in the form of corticosteroids. You may need to take it orally or in the form of injections.

The second form of treating alopecia areata is through medication that promotes hair growth. The goal is to increase the rate of growth more than the rate of hair fall. Minoxidil is a popular drug that prevents the formation of new bald patches on your head.

However, both these forms of treatment are dangerous and can lead to serious side effects when used in the long-term.

Side effects of corticosteroids-

Here is a look at some of the dangers that corticosteroids pose to your health if you use them as a form of treating alopecia areata.

• Osteoporosis

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Obesity

• Glaucoma and cataracts

• Weakened immune system, leading to greater cases of infections

• Muscle weakness

• Easy bruising and thinning of the skin

Side effects of minoxidil-

Even though side effects from minoxidil are not as severe as those you suffer from corticosteroids, they are still problematic for your overall well-being. Common side effects from the drug include

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Pain and tenderness in the breasts

• Vomiting

Therefore, the conventional treatment for alopecia areata is too dangerous and the side effects from the drugs can lead to severe complications for you in the future.

Ayurvedic treatment for alopecia areata-

Ayurveda terms hair loss as Khalitya and its treatment not only helps stop hair fall but also ensures that hair regrows naturally. Shiroroga, a branch of medicine under Ayurveda greatly helps in this process.

If you seek ayurvedic treatment for alopecia areata, you will undergo treatment with various oils, powders and packs. These are prepared with the help of classical Ayurvedic texts. Panchakarma treatment will also greatly rejuvenate your hair quality and help it grow back. Additional, Ayurvedic experts will also ask you to undergo lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce the effects of the disorder.