Circular hair loss is not a dangerous disease. However, for those affected, it is a great always associated with a great psychological burden, because the bald patches usually appear on the head and are easily visible to outsiders.
What is circular hair loss?
Outlook and prognosis
With circular hair loss, the prognosis is good. The bald patches heal on their own after a few weeks to months. Even with protracted courses, healing of the affected areas can be expected. Spontaneous re-growth of hair usually occurs within three years. However, alopecia areata occurs in episodes and is repeatedly noticeable by bald patches. Without medical treatment, a chronic condition can develop, which may also result in psychological complaints. Special forms such as alopecia universalis, alopecia totalis and ophiasis offer a worse prognosis. Spontaneous healing of the bald patches is not to be expected in these forms, as total loss of head or body hair usually occurs. If the hair at the edges of the affected areas can be easily pulled out, the condition is likely to progress. Medical treatment is necessary in any case in order to avoid physical and psychological sequelae. In addition to the psychological consequences such as depressive moods and inferiority complexes, there may be physical complaints such as itching or redness that need to be treated. Circular hair loss can significantly reduce the quality of life. Life expectancy is usually not affected, insofar as alopecia areata does not have a serious underlying condition.
Prevention
Since circular hair loss is genetic, there are no effective preventive measures to date. When the symptoms first appear, the most that can be done is to try to prevent the hair loss from progressing by taking zinc. However, the opinions of experts differ in this regard. Some doctors are of the opinion that early treatment can rather hinder the body’s own healing process and circular hair loss heals better without treatment.
Aftercare
Circular hair loss does not entail the need for aftercare, as it is not a serious condition. Rather, it is a visual problem that can be treated acutely. Scheduled follow-up examinations, such as those after cancer, are intended to prevent recurrence. To date, however, there is no known measure that could prevent circular hair loss. A dermatologist can therefore only repeatedly diagnose the condition and, if necessary, prescribe tablets or creams. Complications are rather not to be expected as a consequence of circular hair loss. A quick spontaneous healing does not leave any permanent consequences. However, if bald patches are permanently visible or recurrent, they may result in psychological suffering. Regular therapy may then be indicated to stabilize the personality. The psychotherapist addresses everyday problems and discusses how to solve them. Whether and when circular hair loss heals cannot be determined by scientific means so far. However, this is an essential element for a targeted and proactive treatment. Children have a greater chance of spontaneous healing than adults. Early detection, which is an essential element of follow-up, is not available.
Here’s what you can do yourself
For circular hair loss, various measures and home remedies help. Depending on the cause, hair loss can often already be curbed by a change in lifestyle. A healthy and balanced diet, for example, strengthens the immune system and can thus also prevent hair loss. A diet rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins is recommended, which can be supplemented with zinc and calcium preparations in consultation with the family doctor. What is also recommended is regular exercise, sufficient sleep and the avoidance of stress. Accompanying these general measures, a number of home remedies help. Nettles or fern leaves have proven effective – both are combed into the hair in the form of an infusion. Equally effective is a hair rinse made from dried rosemary, which is best applied daily. If the above measures do not have any effect, a visit to the family doctor or dermatologist is recommended.It is possible that the circular hair loss is based on a serious disease, which must first be treated. Medical advice is also required in the case of natural causes, because sometimes medication helps against hair loss. In case of doubt, hair loss can be counteracted with the help of a hairpiece or a hair transplant.
