What is Alopecia Universalis and its Homeopathic Remedies

Alopecia Universalis (AU) refers to hair loss from the scalp entirely along with hair loss all over from the other body parts as well. Other body parts includes arms, legs, eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, pubic region, chest and inside the nose. It is a severe form of alopecia areata (hair loss in round spots), the difference is alopecia universalis causes complete hair loss. The hair loss of this type is non-scarring and not permanent. So, chances of hair regrowth are there. The real reason behind alopecia universalis is not clear till now. However, it is thought to be an autoimmune process. In this process, the body’s immune cells that normally help to fight infections start to attack the hair follicles out of a mistake thinking it to be something harmful to the body. This result in hair fall and also hinders growth of new hair.

Genetic and certain environmental factors tend to play a role in triggering the process of hair loss. Some of the environmental factors here includes stress, viral infection, some hormonal imbalance, toxins and an injury. Those having a family history of alopecia are at risk of it. Here some particular genes from both the parents are needed to pass this condition to their child. Many persons having alopecia might also be having thyroid issues, diabetes and atopic dermatitis ( a skin condition leading to skin inflammation with dry itchy skin) and some form of other autoimmune disease like lichen planus (a skin condition causing flat-topped, purple papules on skin), vitiligo (a skin condition characterised by patches of white skin from lack of normal pigmentation). Sometimes in some cases chemotherapy (a medical treatment to treat cancer) can result in alopecia universalis. This condition can begin as single or two tiny patches of hair loss. This may proceed quickly to form bald spots within a few days. There comes a point when all the hair of body are entirely lost. Mostly no other symptom attend it, but in some cases, itching and burning may be felt on the area of hair loss. Hair loss increases chances of sunburn. Hair loss from eyelashes increase the chance of debris to enter the eyes. Loss of hair from inside nose also increase chance of germs like bacteria, virus to get into the body and cause illness. Sufferers of alopecia universalis are also at risk of mood disorders, anxiety and depression.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy carries good scope to manage cases of hair loss. These medicines are recommended when hair loss occurs from scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, moustache, and genital area. Homeopathic medicines firstly aim to prevent worsening of the problem by halting further progression of hair loss from different body areas. Next, they aim to help in hair regrowth. The chances of hair regrowth vary from case to case depending on the intensity of hair loss. Homeopathy uses natural medicines to treat hair loss that are made from naturally occurring substances, hence are very safe to use with zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines for hair loss are selected from a long list of medicines. The prescription varies from case to case based on detailed evaluation of the characteristic individual symptoms in every cases. Hence, homeopathic medicines to treat hair loss should always be taken under supervision of a homeopathic doctor. Self-medication should not be done with any of the homeopathic medicines.

Homeopathic Medicines for Alopecia Universalis

1. Phosphorus – For Hair Loss In Bunches

Phosphorus is a top medicine to manage hair loss. This medicine is very helpful when there is hair loss in large bunches from the scalp. This is accompanied with itching on scalp. Scratching worsens the itching. There may be sweating on the head.

2. Kali Carb – For Hair Loss From Scalp, Eyebrows And Beard

It is another magnificent medicine for managing cases of hair loss. In cases needing this medicine, hair loss occurs from scalp, eyebrows and beard. Hair are very dry. There may be itching on the scalp. Burning may also be present. Itching, burning is worse in morning and evening.

3. Baryta Carb – For Hair Loss In Young People

Baryta Carb is the most important medicine to manage hair loss in young people. This medicine is of use for hair loss from the scalp. Top of the scalp is most affected in cases needing it. The scalp is also sensitive to touch. A sensation of ants crawling on head can accompany. Skin over the scalp feels tight.

4. Selenium – For Hair Loss From Scalp, Eyebrows, Moustache, Genitals

Selenium is beneficial when hair loss is noticed from scalp, eyebrows, and moustache area. Itching may be felt on the scalp in the evening. A tingling sensation on the scalp may be felt. Additionally, hair loss may occur from genital area as well. Body parts other than the above-mentioned areas could also face hair loss in cases needing selenium.

5. Natrum Mur – For Hair Loss From Scalp, Moustache, Beard And Genitals

Natrum Mur is another effective medicine to manage hair loss. It is suitable in cases of hair loss from scalp, moustache, beard and from genitals. Scalp may be sensitive to touch. Itching may be felt on scalp. Itching on external genitals can also be present.

6. Lycopodium – For Hair Loss From Scalp With Itching, Burning

Use of this medicine can be considered when hair strands fall from the scalp, attended with itching and burning on the scalp. The itching and burning worsens on getting warm. Hair loss is most marked from the sides of the scalp and top of scalp (vertex).

7. Silicea – For Hair Loss From Scalp, Eyebrows And Eyelashes

This medicine is recommended for cases where hair loss is most marked from scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Excessive sweating is present on the scalp in most cases needing this medicine. The scalp is tender to touch. Itchy spots may develop on the scalp. After scratching, these spots feel painful.

8. Fluoric Acid – When Hair Become Dry, Break And Fall Out

This medicine is suited when there is dryness of hair followed by breakage and falling out. Hair fall occurs in well-defined spots. Along with hair loss, scalp is sensitive to touch.

9. Graphites – For Hair Loss From Scalp, Moustache And Beard

This medicine is recommended for managing hair loss especially from scalp, moustache and beard. Long-term eruptions on scalp may develop. Burning sensation is felt on the top of the head.

10. Phosphoric Acid – For Hair Loss From Scalp, Genitals And Beard

This medicine is indicated for persons having loss of hair from scalp, genitals and beard. The hair are very greasy and tend to fall out. Itching on scalp can be present in some cases along with hair loss. There might be a history of grief or sorrow where this medicine is required.