Contact immunotherapy, which may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata. A common medicine used is diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), which is “painted” on the scalp once a week at increasing strengths. The DPCP irritates the skin, making it itchy and scaly. This treatment is not widely available.
Alopecia areata is hair loss caused when the immune system attacks hair follicles where hair growth begins. Contact immunotherapy is an experimental therapy that may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata.1 A common medication used is diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP).
DPCP, a liquid, is “painted” on the scalp once a week. The concentration of the solution is increased at each treatment session until a mild allergic reaction occurs. Hair growth may appear within 3 months of beginning treatment.
A review of research on contact immunotherapy notes that about half of those with severe alopecia areata had a good response, but how much hair grew back varied widely.
Side effects of contact immunotherapy include a severe rash (contact dermatitis) and swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what products you use that contribute to its heath. Having healthy hair also includes having a healthy diet. If you were born with fine, thin hair, you’ll never have rope-thick tresses — no matter what you eat — but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference. Read on for the top 5 foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.
1. Salmon
When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it’s hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
- Dark Green Vegetables
Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body’s natural hair conditioner. Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.
- Beans
Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
- Nuts
Brazil nuts are one of nature’s best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.
- Poultry
Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave. Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.
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