Symptoms
Circular hair loss causes hair to fall out in places, forming sharply defined, bald, oval or round spots on the otherwise hairy skin. All parts of the body with hair growth can be affected. Most frequently affected is the hair on the head, followed by beard hair (in men) and finally other body hair.At the edge of the bald spots there are so-called “exclamation mark hairs”.
These are so called because they are broken off and taper towards the end, i.e. they become narrower. The bald spots themselves show no skin abnormalities whatsoever, i.e. they are neither reddened nor scaly or otherwise dermatologically noticeable. In some affected persons, hair regrowth occurs again in the bald areas.
These regrowing hairs are initially unpigmented and thinner than the rest of the hair, but later they resume the appearance of normal hair. As further symptoms, however, the affected persons can show abnormalities on the fingernails. The nails may be roughened, have many grooves or dimples. They are also called spotted nails. Circular hair loss can occur in all age groups and in both sexes, but it most frequently occurs for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30.
Diagnosis of circular hair loss
To ensure the diagnosis of circular hair loss, the doctor looks at the clinical picture of the patient. Due to the typical visible symptoms, the diagnosis is usually obvious. Especially if the patient can additionally report similar cases in the family, the diagnosis can be made with great certainty. In addition, a sample of the scalp as well as some hairs of affected body regions can be taken and examined microscopically. Any abnormalities detected in this way can help to confirm the diagnosis.
The treatment of circular hair loss
There are several possibilities for the treatment of circular hair loss. First, locally effective glucocorticoid solutions can be applied to the bald areas. These substances then suppress the overactive immune system in these areas, so that its damaging effect on the hair roots is dampened.
The hair can then grow back better. In order for the therapy to bring visible results, it usually has to be applied consistently over several months. More promising is topical immunotherapy, in which certain substances (diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) or dibutyl square ester (SADBE)) are applied to the bald areas of skin.
These substances irritate the immune system and induce an immune reaction. The immune cells are thus directed, so to speak, to the applied chemicals and let go of the hair roots. These then have time to grow back.
By applying DPCP, DNCB or SADBE, however, the scalp can be affected and become reddened or scaly, and react with itching. Unfortunately, the use of household remedies has not proven to be effective for circular hair loss. Especially infectious causes, such as fungal diseases, should be treated as soon as possible by orthodox medicine, so that healing is not delayed.
Also the non-scarring, circular hair loss, which often has intangible causes such as stress, psychological stress or even autoimmune processes, cannot be improved with household remedies. However, it is advisable, especially in the case of such non-scarring hair loss, to pay more attention to a balanced everyday life and sufficient coping strategies for stress in order not to further promote hair loss. Garlic is often mentioned and advertised as a household remedy in connection with circular hair loss.
But whether it actually helps against hair loss can neither be affirmed nor denied. Before attempting treatment with garlic, one should have a medical examination. Some causes, such as infectious skin diseases or autoimmune diseases, must be treated with medication to stop hair loss.
Often, no tangible cause can be found for non-scarring alopecia. Stress or a psychological stress reaction can also be a possible cause and cannot be cured simply by medication. In such cases, some affected persons report that garlic has a helpful effect on their hair loss.
In the form of a garlic shampoo or by rubbing garlic slices directly into the scalp, some of those affected would probably have experienced improvements. The effect of garlic in the form of a garlic gel on hair loss has also been investigated in a study. There, a therapy with topical betamethasone, a drug similar to cortisone, showed a positive effect through the additional use of a garlic gel.
Various homeopathic remedies are available for the treatment of circular hair loss.There are no uniform recommendations, so that in most cases an individual case consultation with a homeopath or pharmacist is necessary. Before starting a homeopathic treatment, the cause of hair loss should be clarified by a medical examination in order to start an orthodox medical treatment in time and to clarify the underlying clinical picture. However, there is nothing against a supportive use of homeopathic remedies. At this point, some common homeopathic remedies that are used in the treatment of circular hair loss are presented as examples:
- Acidum hydrofluoricum: This product is used for circular hair loss. Also thinned eyebrows are typical for this form.
- Antimonium tartaricum: This homeopathic remedy is used for sudden graying of hair as well as excessive hair loss after psychological trauma.
- Selenium: Selenium is recommended for circular hair loss not described in detail.
