Your Care Instructions

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that affects the hair on the scalp or other areas of the body. It's a problem that can go away for some time and then come back. This condition is most common in people who are younger than 18, but it can happen to children and adults of any age. Hair loss can affect how you feel about yourself.

Your hair may fall out in clumps and grow back over time. In rare cases, a person with alopecia may lose all body hair. The pattern of hair loss and growth is different for everyone. You can treat alopecia with medicine, but treatment does not always work. You may have shots of medicine in your scalp or skin, take pills, or put the medicine on your scalp or skin. Or you may decide to wait and see whether your hair grows again before trying medicine.

Because hair loss is upsetting for most people, seek support from family and friends. Talk to a counsellor or other professional if you need more help.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If you decide to treat your hair loss, use medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• If you want to cover your scalp, you can use hats, scarves, or other head coverings. Or you may want to wear a hairpiece or a wig.
• Try hair care products and styling techniques. Hair care products or perms may make hair appear thicker. You can use dyes to colour the scalp. But long-term use of perms or dyes may lead to more hair loss.
• Talk to your doctor if you are very upset about your hair loss. You can get counselling to help you cope with the condition.