Although there are no drugs that seem to have spectacular importance in the treatment process of alopecia and no special cure was invented, some specialists claim to have solutions for this affection of the immune system. Some medications for other purposes seem to help in the growing process of hair without ensuring the health of the hair again and without having some real promises for curing this disease. The patients that suffer from alopecia may take into account the possibility of taking these medications only consulting their health care provider. The advice and special recommendation of the health care provider are extremely necessary, as the physician is aware of other possible implication if taking these medications and knows the health problems of the patient.

The people who suffer from alopecia may be surprised to find out that there are many medications that may help in saving their appearance, but the best choice should be discussed with the health care provider. The hair growth may be helped with minoxidil solution, which has to be applied twice daily. This solution may be successfully applied not only on the scalp, but also on beard or brow. The appearance of new hair is possible after 10-12 weeks if solution is applied properly and as a regular basis.

Anthralin, known for treating psoriasis may be also used in the alopecia treatment. The short contact therapy is used while applying anthralin (20 to 60 minutes). This medication may be used with other medications (minoxidil or corticosteroid) in order to obtain better results. Generally speaking 8-12 weeks are enough before seeing the difference in the hair growth and probably in the hair quality.

Corticosteroids are used more frequently due to the fact that their content is similar to the hormone cortisol of the human body. Corticosteroids have three possible types of administration in the case of alopecia: orally (used for short periods of time in order to avoid the side effects); injections in the affected areas that are effective (approximately 4 weeks before visible results); topical oinments and creams recommended for children. The most effective of all are the local injections of corticosteroids, but they present some side effects, too and it is usually the pain during the administration and some pigmentation changes.

Photo chemotherapy is also a specific treatment for psoriasis, but may be also used for alopecia. A special exposure to an ultraviolet light source after administrating a light-sensitive drug two or three times a week may be considered dangerous from another point of view – the risk of developing skin cancer.

Sulfasalazine has been also used in the psoriasis treatment and in the case of other autoimmune disorders. Therefore, it may be also used in the case of alopecia. Topical sensitizers may be also used in the treatment process of alopecia, although the safety and relevance are still questioned. Cyclosporine is also used in treating the skin conditions that are related with the immune system. The disadvantage of this medication is that suppressing the immune system may cause other problems. This may be the reason why the doctors don’t recommend it with enthusiasm, pointing out the possible problems after its administration.

Alternative therapies may be very effective in the case of hair regrowth and they may be also used as complementary therapies. Chinese herbs, acupuncture, aroma therapy and vitamin supplements may be helpful in treating alopecia. A special care should characterize the choices of the therapies for the hair growth, as in many cases either the combination between medication and the alternative therapy or the choice of one element are not recommended. The main idea is that no choice should be made without asking the health care provider.