I have alopecia areata, which means I’ve been dealing with hair loss since I was 12 years old. When I started losing my hair, I was so embarrassed to go out in public or even see anyone who knew me well. Thankfully, I was able to find the right treatment to control my symptoms and live happily with alopecia areata without feeling self-conscious all the time. Here’s how I did it, so you can manage your alopecia areata, too!

Alopecia Areata Overview

Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss, usually in patches, on the scalp and other parts of the body. The hair loss can be temporary or permanent. In most cases, the hair will grow back on its own. However, there is no cure for alopecia areata and it can recur. There are several treatments available to help manage the condition and minimize hair loss.

Anti-inflammatory diet & nutrition

When I was first diagnosed with alopecia areata, I had no idea what to expect. I was told there was no cure and that my hair may never grow back. I was devastated. But I decided to take matters into my own hands and research everything I could about the condition.

In my research, I discovered that alopecia areata has been linked to stress, which can lead to inflammation. My diet was full of pro-inflammatory foods like sugar and processed ingredients, so I took action by introducing more anti-inflammatory foods into my daily routine. These days, I mostly stick to an anti-inflammatory diet and eat lots of vegetables and fruits every day. I also exercise regularly because it helps me manage stress levels, which in turn reduces inflammation. This combination has really worked for me—I’ve seen my hair grow back over time! Just make sure you talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Exercise and stress management

I was diagnosed with alopecia areata in 2016, and since then, I’ve tried a lot of different things to manage my condition. For me, exercise and stress management are key. I make sure to take time out of my day to move my body, even if it’s just going for a walk around the block. And I’ve learned how to better manage stress through breathing exercises and meditation. These things have helped me tremendously and I hope they can help you, too.

Medications to stimulate hair growth

There are several medications that can be used to stimulate hair growth in people with alopecia areata. These include minoxidil (Rogaine), corticosteroids, and anthralin (Drithocreme). Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp twice daily. It can take several months to see results from minoxidil. Corticosteroids are injected into the scalp every four to eight weeks. Anthralin is a topical cream that is applied to the scalp once or twice daily. It can cause skin irritation, so it is often used only for a short period of time.

The emotional side of dealing with alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. I was diagnosed with it about a year ago, and since then, dealing with the emotional ups and downs has been the hardest part. Some days I’m completely confident and fine with my baldness, and other days I feel like I’m not good enough or pretty enough. It’s a constant battle, but I’m trying to learn to love myself no matter what.

Conclusions on living with alopecia areata

When I was first diagnosed with alopecia areata, I was completely devastated. I felt like I had lost a part of myself. But over time, I’ve learned to accept my condition and even embrace it.

I also had to accept that I was going to lose my hair. My doctor and family assured me that my hair would return after a few months or even years, but it could be permanent. That first day, I cried for about five hours straight. But eventually, I took control of my situation by learning everything I could about alopecia areata so that I knew what to expect from both short-term and long-term perspectives.