Systemic Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Steroid Tablets: Large doses of steroid tablets may slow down the progression and result in regrowth of the hair especially in the early stages of the disease. Some studies with widespread alopecia areata showed many patients had some regrowth after taking the medication for 6 weeks. However, when the treatment stops the alopecia often recurs.

While this medication can help regrow hair, it cannot be taken for long. Serious side effects can develop. It’s also possible that when you stop taking this medication, your new hair will fall out.

Immunosuppressant Tablets: These tablets suppress the immune system and are occasionally used to treat severe alopecia areata which have not responded to other treatments. The evidence that they can cause hair regrowth in alopecia areata is limited and these tablets can have potentially serious side effects.