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Alopecia Areata, Hair Loss and Baldness

Introduction: Alopecia Areata is an auto-immune disease that effects people on an emotional level, even though they may be perfectly healthy in every other way.  We are all concerned about our looks and physical appearance.

Homeopathy may be a good approach for many cases because it works at a quantum level at the energy of our biological system as well as touching the emotions and spirit when the right remedy is chosen. The great thing about homeopathy is there are no side-effects and it is non-toxic.

It is important to realize that homeopathy work more slowly upon the system than steroids, so patience is needed to follow through with professional care.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS:

We know alopecia is an auto immune response, just as allergic reactions are the immune system defense to triggers or allergens. Instead of asthma or hay fever, a person may have hair loss.  Alopecia is also a hereditary predisposition that follows the pattern of our parents. Some Physicians in Germany discovered that baldness is not just a result of excessive testosterone and hormonal problems in the body. Baldness is a disease that results from the body attacking itself. The immune system backfires when it interprets the hair follicles as cells growing too fast, as a pathology of excessive growth instead of as its natural function. In such a case, the body sends white blood cells, leukocytes, to attack the hair follicles which it considers a foreign invader, and that is why the hair follicles die. The hair follicles are so damaged by the attack of the leukocytes that the hair follicle will let go of its strands and hair falls out. Normally we lose about 80 strands a day. When our hair follicles are damaged, we lose a lot more than 80 hairs, and more fall out than grow in, so eventually you become bald.

Hair Growth: Usually the hair grows at the rate of 6 inches per year. An adult head has around 100,000 hairs. Do not be concerned if you see a few hairs on the pillow or hairbrush. This is natural. Take note if you are loosing hair in large amount whenever you wash them or comb them or just touch them. Loss of hair in spots around the head is not normal.

Chemical Side Effects: We know that when people undergo chemotherapy a result is most often hair loss, as the chemicals destroy newly dividing cells. The chemicals indiscriminately effect healthy, as well as cancerous cells. Hair follicles, the structures in the skin filled with tiny blood vessels that make hair, are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body. Your hair follicles divide every 23 to 72 hours. With this knowledge we can see that using any type of drug that effects the immune system may also cause alopecia. This includes heavy duty drugs like prescription drugs for high blood pressure [anticoagulants, beta-adrenergic blockers] and street drugs like cocaine.

Nutritional Deficiencies: In particular a lack of zinc or iron in your diet or by malabsorption may cause hair loss. Zinc supplementation does not help most cases of alopecia areaata. However, when alopecia follows extreme low-calorie diets or gastrooplasty, a surgical shrinking of the stomach to treat obesity, zinc may be very helpful. In one study, all gastroplasty patients who has experienced hair loss regained their hair after taking 100 milligrams of zinc sulfate 3 times a day for 6 months. This dosage of zinc is potentially high enough to interfere with the immune system's resistance to infection, so it is essential to treat infections promptly.

Heavy Metal Poisoning: We see that toxic metals such as copper, lead, and zinc have an effect on cell growth. Therefore, heavy metal poisoning is definitely a cause of hair loss. Such toxins may be found in petroleum, industrial effluents, and metal ions that leach from the soil into lakes and rivers by acid rain. Included in these toxic metals are some pesticides and herbicidal formulas. This is one reason to become involved with environmental protection and use natural substances in your garden. Other chemicals used in products to dye hair, bleach, perm hair, purify swimming pools can also cause alopecia.

Cancer Treatment: For those undergoing cancer treatment, radiation exposure may also cause hair loss. I, personally, do not have a microwave in my home, knowing that exposure from even this small amount of radiation can effect my immune system.

More possible reasons to hair loss are fungal infections, hair dyes, cancerous moles, hypothyroid disease, aging, skin disorders, drinking alcoholic beverages, and constant tight pulling of hair when it is braided.

High Fever: When a person experiences a high fever during an illness not only are the germs killed off, but the hair follicles may be effected.

Hormonal imbalance: A change in hormones, such as following childbirth, undergoing anesthesia for surgery or extremely stressful situations. We don't just "tear our hair out," but it will simply fall out. Other hormone imbalance medical treatments such as oral contraceptives and retinoids for acne and skin diseases may result in hair loss. The hormonal changes in teenage years cause over activity of the sebaceous glands, producing a waxy substance [sebum] to keep hair supple and waterproof is associated with acne. These skin conditions can be aggravated by too frequent washing with strong shampoos which destroy acid balance of scalp.

Injury or Shock: Other major impacts on the body such as burns, X-rays, and scalp injuries may result in alopecia.

You can see there are many origins to alopecia in both males and females at different stages in their lives. Homeopathy has many remedies that address this issue. It is important for a professional to understand the holistic pattern and etiology for each individual in order to select the correct remedy. Researching in the homeopathic computer database we can find 346 remedies for alopecia.

Here are a list of commonly used homeopathic remedies:

Arsenicum: Scalp dry, sensitive, and very hot, unbearably itchy at night, round bare patches of scalp show through hair. Person is usually anxious, likes company and desires sips of water.

Borax: Used when hair becomes frowsy and tangled; splits, sticks together at the tips; and if these bunches are cut off, they form again, cannot be combed. A main keynote is distress or fear of falling.

Carbo vegetabalis: This remedy is the result of hair loss after parturition or severe illness. Commonly used for air sickness. Person likes to be fanned.

Flouric acid: Flaky scalp, hair loss from STD such as syphilis.

Graphites:  Scalp moist, encrusted, and smelly, crusting worse behind ears cures bald spots on the sides of the head. The head sweats easily. The most commonly used remedy for Alopecia areata. It is also used for nephrotic syndrome, hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemorrhagic tendencies, respiratory infections, osteomyelitis, paralytic symptoms, and dandruff with intense itching of the scalp. There is increased susceptibility to colds amongst children. Bald spots on the head, which are dry and scaly, and the roots of hair get gray and the hair comes out in bunches.

Lycopodium: Known for premature baldness, premature graying of hair, addressing problems of the gastro-intestinal organs, reproductive organs, with urinary complaints, and other skin and respiratory disorders.

Mezerium: Intense itching, thick leathery crusts with pus underneath and white scabs on top. This is also a remedy for cradle cap.

Natrum Muriaticum:  It is one of the commonly used remedies for hair loss when there are skin fissures, urticaria, migraine, eczema, lichen planus, vitiligo, asthma, white crusting around hairline, hair lank and greasy and anemia. Natrum mur has easy falling out of the hair when touched or combed in both elderly and young children.

Nitricum acidum: This deep acting, constitutional remedy influences the gastrointestinal tract, nerves, glands, skin, and bones. Its one of the commonly used drugs for hair loss, vitiligo, warts, ulcers, fissures, gastritis, hemorrhoids, bony and rheumatic affections, malignancy, and cachexia. Loss of hair from the vertex. Sensitiveness of the scalp with 'sticking pains.'

Oleander: Itching like insect bites all around hairline of forehead, moist, smelly spots behind ears, with itching made worse by heat.

Phosphorus: Phosphorus acts on the gastrointestinal tract, hepato-biliary system, blood, kidneys, bones, lungs, nervous tissue. The person typically desires cold drinks, like sodas with ice and also salty greasy foods.

Sepia: Notice the moist, greasy scalp that is sensitive around the hair roots. Alopcecia after chronic headaches and during menopause. Usually a woman's remedy who has many children or one who is in business.

Silicea: Silica influences bones and joints, mucous membranes, skin, cellular tissue, nerves, glands, lungs, digestive system and is commonly used for  hairfall, vitiligo, eczema, lichen planus, herpes, urticaria, asthmatic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, styes and chalazion, trigeminal neuralgia, complaints of nails, tonsillitis. These people may have large bellies with a stubborn disposition or yielding in nature.

Sulphur: Dandruff thick, a lot of scratching at night which causes skin to burn. The scalp is made even drier by washing hair in a hot natured person who does not like bathing.

Vinca minor:  At first matted, sticky, moist hair. Then falling of hair that is replaced by gray hair, there may be bald spots covered with fine white woolly fuzz. Great weakness after stool, with passive uterine hæmorrhages and other conditions. Tearful, quarrelsome, sadness with fear of death. Whirling vertigo with flickering in the field of vision. Badly smelling eruptions on the face, head and behind the ears.   Empty feeling in the stomach better by eating. Sensation as of cold wind in the ears. Angry with red nose.

Note: This website is informational only. We are not diagnosing or prescribing any medications. We recommend visiting with your physician and remaining on your regular medications.

Resources: For more information about Alopecia Areata http://www.naaf.org/aa_onsetofalopecia.html

Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatmenthttp://www.alopeciaareata.us/app/hom_treatment.asp

Alopecia universalis: Homeopathy does not typically treat Alopecia Totalis (full body hair loss). I have read that when thymus extract may be applied to the scalp.

Personal Story

Early this year I dropped a sewing machine on my hand. Even though I didn't think I hurt myself, I knew something had happened as I looked at my hand start to swell up like a balloon. It really didn't hurt, but I had to act fast to reduce the bruising. The tissue looked like it was filled with fluid and started to turn dark blue and become tender to the touch.

Luckily, I had arnica in the house and took a dose. I kept opening and closing my hand to keep the blood flowing and to make sure there was mobility and no bones were broken. After that first dry dose of pellets, I put a pellet in water, stirred the glass and took a sip every hour. By the next day there was a tiny bit of tenderness and the tissue swelling had gone all the way down. It took about three days total for the entire area to be normal again. I was so surprised that the typical changing of colors from black and blue to green, orange, and yellow did not even happen. The skin just went back to normal as the discoloration faded.

Whenever I do have a large bruise or injury, I open a pineapple and eat  loads of this delicious sweet yellow meat which contains healing bromelain.  G-d has provided the means to heal in our foods.

 Arnica (Arnica chamissonis, Arnica cordifolia, Arnica fulgens, Arnica  latifolia, Arnica montana, Arnica sororia)

Arnica (Arnica Montana) is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory that may be used for traumatic injury, bruises, strained joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, tensive backache, concussion, stroke, heart strain and to reduce pain and bleeding after surgery.

Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on the principal that 'like cures like', in a tiny dilution - so the indications below are what a healthy person would feel if taking Arnica Montana. If your symptoms match the materia medica picture then arnica would be appropriate for your condition. Scientists have studied arnica for the following health problems:

Diabetic eye damage

Some studies suggest that arnica in very diluted (homeopathic) doses may improve vision in people with eye damage caused by diabetes. However, studies have been small, with flaws in the way the results were reported. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is any benefit from arnica for this condition.

Pain

Homeopathic arnica is typically used by homeopaths for trauma and bruising. Arnica may also help reduce pain in tonsillectomy patients. Some studies suggest that arnica in very diluted (homeopathic) doses may relieve pain after surgery. However, these studies have been small, with flaws in their designs, and results of different studies have disagreed with each other. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is any benefit from arnica for relieving pain after surgery.

Stroke

Although there are several studies, it is not clear whether arnica in much diluted (homeopathic) doses has any beneficial effects for individuals who have suffered from stroke. Further studies comparing arnica with standard treatments are needed.

Muscle soreness caused by exercise

Although arnica taken by mouth appears to be safe in very diluted (homeopathic) doses for treating muscle soreness after exercise, most studies have not found any benefit when arnica is used for this purpose. Some studies suggest a positive effect on muscle soreness after marathon running but not on cell damage measured by enzymes. Further research is needed in the area of sports injuries to determine if arnica affects aerobic resistance, anaerobic capacity strength and flexibility.

Hematoma and recovery after surgery

Arnica in very diluted (homeopathic) doses has been proposed to reduce hematoma (bleeding and bruises) after surgery and to improve postoperative recovery. A pilot study of arnica D12 had a trend toward a beneficial effect with regard to reduction of hematoma and pain during the postoperative course after varicose vein surgery. Another recent study of prevention of pain and bruising in hand surgery reported negative results. Overall, most studies evaluating arnica for this use have not found significant benefit. Further research is needed to draw firm conclusions.

Postoperative ileus

A meta-analysis of existing clinical trials suggests that there is evidence that homeopathic arnica treatment may reduce the duration of ileus after abdominal or gynecologic surgery. Well-designed research is needed to make a definitive conclusion.

Acute childhood diarrhea

One study suggests a decrease in the duration of diarrhea in children with homeopathic doses of arnica. Further study is needed to make a recommendation.

Emergency medicine

In one case report, 15 orthopedic patients were treated with Arnica montana 200CH post-trauma. At discharge, patients rated homeopathic treatment successful in 67 percent of the specific complaints.

Osteoarthritis

Arnica gel has been used on the skin for osteoarthritis pain and stiffness, due to its anti-inflammatory constituents. Although early study is promising, additional study is needed.

When trauma is extensive:

Arnica produces conditions upon the system quite similar to those resulting from injuries, falls, blows, contusions. Tinnitus aurium. Putrid phenomena. Septic conditions; prophylactic of pus infection. Apoplexy, red, full face. It is especially suited to cases when any injury, however remote, seems to have caused the present trouble. After traumatic injuries, overuse of any organ, strains.

The Following Conditions and Sensations May Point to Arnica As A Healing Agent:

Arnica Montana is disposed to cerebral congestion. Acts best in plethoric, feebly in debilitated with impoverished blood, cardiac dropsy with dyspnoea. A muscular tonic. Traumatism of grief, remorse or sudden realization of financial loss. Limbs and body ache as if beaten; joints as if sprained. Bed feels too hard. Marked effect on the blood. Affects the venous system inducing stasis. Ecchymosis and Hemorrhages. Relaxed blood vessels, black and blue spots. Tendency to hemorrhage and low-fever states. Tendency to tissue degeneration, septic conditions abscesses that do not mature. Sore, lame, bruised feeling. Neuralgias originating in disturbances of pneumogastric. Rheumatism of muscular and tendinous tissue, especially of back and shoulders. Aversion to tobacco. Influenza. Thrombosis. Haematocele. When the person feels better, lying down, or with head low; but WORSE from least touch; motion; rest; wine; damp cold.

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DIRECTIONS

Begin taking Arnica Montana immediately after surgery and continue until the bruising and swelling has subsided (usually 7-14 days). Do not brush your teeth, eat, or drink anything but water, 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after taking Arnica Montana . Avoid handling of the tablets by using the bottle cap that is included. Take 3 tablets, 3 times a day. Important: Place tablets under the tongue and let dissolve naturally.

When Going for Surgery:

Do not eat or drink anything by mouth (including this supplement) after midnight prior to surgery. Following anesthesia and surgery, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal upset. Since Arnica Montana is a sublingual medication (under the tongue), taking this product should not cause or aggravate an upset stomach.

Arnica Works Well With Bromelain

Arnica Montana is known for the reduction of bruising and swelling and works well in combination with Bromelain with Quercetin. You can get the bromelain from eating pineapple.

Caution Taking Supplements Before Surgery:

Certain vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements should not be taken during the peri-operative period. In particular, supplements containing the following compounds should be discontinued two weeks prior to, and for up to two weeks after surgery: Bilberry, cayenne, dong quai, echinacea, feverfew, fish oil caps, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorne, kava kava, licorice root, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, red clover, St. John's wort, valerian, vitamin E and yohimbe

If You Want to Take More Than Arnica:

Arnica Montana 30x Homeopathic Medicine: A homeopathic remedy hat helps to reduce bruising and swelling.

Bromelain (1500 mg; 3000 MCUs): A natural, proteolytic enzyme (digests protein) that is extracted from the root of the pineapple stem and is beneficial for reducing inflammation (swelling) and treating tissue injury. Bromelain inhibits prostaglandins that cause inflammation and promotes the formation of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Quercetin (1500 mg): Quercetin is a flavanoid that is a plant pigment found in large amounts in foods such as onion and apples. Quercetin enhances the impact of Bromelain and slows down the release of inflammatory mediators (including histamine) and thus helps reduce swelling.

Vitamin A (25,000 IUs): A fat-soluble vitamin that must be present for wound healing and acts as an antioxidant that is necessary for new cell growth, and repair and maintenance of tissue. Vitamin A also helps treat superficial wrinkles, prevent skin disorders, protect against cancer, and helps remove age spots.

Vitamin C (750 mg): A water-soluble vitamin that is vital for wound healing and acts as an antioxidant and is needed for repair and growth of tissues damaged by surgery. Vitamin C plays a primary role in collagen formation, which is crucial for wound healing.

B-Complex Vitamins: The "Stress Fighting" family of water-soluble vitamins help maintain and promote the health of skin, nerves, eyes, hair, liver and mouth. The B-vitamins are essential for smooth skin and lustrous, shiny hair. The VitaMedica Progarm includes the "unofficial" vitamins, inositol and choline.

Zinc (21 mg): A trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant and is essential for protein synthesis and collagen formation. This mineral helps to promote the healing of wounds and increases the absorption of Vitamin A.

Selenium (210 mcg): A trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant and that inhibits the oxidation of fats.

 Copper (210 mcg): A trace mineral that works in balance with vitamin C and zinc to form elastin, which is essential for the formation of collagen. Copper is necessary for the function of an enzyme which is required to cross-link collagen and elastin. Collagen also aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin, and red blood cells.

Bioflavonoids (600 mg): Bioflavonoids strengthen the walls of capillaries and thereby prevent bruising. Bioflavonoids also help build resistance to infection and are potent antioxidants that enhance the absorption of Vitamin C and prevent this nutrient from being oxidized.

Caution With High Strength Vitamins:

About 10% of people experience the so-called "niacin flush" with high-potency vitamins. This involves a temporary reddening of the skin that lasts 10-15 minutes. It is a normal response and is harmless. Usually it will disappear after one or two days of taking the vitamins. To decrease the chances of the niacin-flush occurring, we recommend building up slowly to the full dose of Clinical Support for Surgery. When starting taking the multinutrients, simply reduce the dose to one tablet for 1-2 days, then two tablets for 1-2 days, and so forth. This approach will also help to prevent the uneasy sensation that occurs in some people's stomach after taking vitamins.

Bromelain with Quercetin Instructions: Begin taking Bromelain 3 days prior to surgery and continue until the inflammation has subsided (usually 7 days). Take 2 capsules three times a day. Bromelain should be taken between meals preferably on an empty stomach. For example: upon awakening, late morning and late afternoon. Do not eat or drink anything by mouth (including this supplement) after midnight prior to surgery. Following anesthesia and surgery, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal upset. If you develop these symptoms after surgery, delay taking Bromelain until your stomach is feeling better and you are able to eat a normal diet.

Arnica Montana 30X Instructions: Begin taking Arnica Montana immediately after your surgery and continue taking until the bruising and swelling has subsided (usually 7-14 days). Take 3 tablets, 3 times a day. Important: Place tablets under the tongue and let dissolve naturally. Do not brush your teeth, eat, or drink anything but water, 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after taking Arnica Montana. Do not handle the tablets. Do not eat or drink anything by mouth (including this supplement) after midnight prior to surgery. Following anesthesia and surgery, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal upset. Since Arnica Montana is a sublingual medication (under the tongue), taking this product should not aggravate an upset stomach.

Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain arnica. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting.

Resources

  1. Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics

   2. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research

 Selected Scientific Studies: Arnica

 Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.

 Some of the more recent studies are listed below:

  1. Brinkhaus B, Wilkens JM, Ludtke R, et al. Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients receiving knee surgery: results of three randomised double-blind trials. Complement Ther Med 2006;Dec, 14(4):237-246.

   2. Daane SP. Potential for danger with Arnica montana. Ann Plast Surg 2001;46(3):349-350.

   3. Ernst E. The benefits of arnica: 16 case reports. Homeopathy 2003;92(4):217-219.

   4. Fisher P. Arnica and induction. Homeopathy 2003;Oct, 92(4):175-176.

   5. Jaggi R, Wurgler U, Grandjean F, et al. Dual inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase by a reconstituted homeopathic remedy: possible explanation for clinical efficacy and favourable gastrointestinal tolerability. Inflamm Res 2004;53(4):150-157.

   6. Jeffrey SL, Belcher HJ. Use of arnica to relieve pain after carpal-tunnel release surgery. Altern Ther Health Med 2002;8(2):66-68.

   7. Kucera M, Horacek O, Kalal J, et al. Synergetic analgesic effect of the combination of arnica and hydroxyethyl salicylate in ethanolic solution following cutaneous application by transcutaneous electrostimulation. Arzneimittelforschung 2003;53(12):850-856.

   8. Macedo SB, Ferreira LR, Perazzo FF, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica montana 6cH: preclinical study in animals. Homeopathy 2004;Apr, 93(2):84-87.

   9. Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference. Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA. Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.

  10. Oberbaum M, Schreiber R, Rosenthal C, et al. Homeopathic treatment in emergency medicine: a case series. Homeopathy 2003;Jan, 92(1):44-47.

  11. Pechter EA. Arnica montana and dosing of homeopathic medication. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004;Jul, 114(1):260-261. Author reply, 261. Comment in Plast Reconstr Surg 2003;Sep 15, 112(4):1164-1166.

  12. Petry JJ. Arnica and homeopathy. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004;May, 113(6):1867-1868. Comment in Plast Reconstr Surg 2003;Sep 15, 112(4):1164-1166.

  13. Ramelet AA, Buchheim G, Lorenz P, et al. Homeopathic arnica in postoperative haematomas: a double-blind study. Dermatol 2000;201(4):347-348.

  14. Raschka C, Trostel Y. Effect of a homeopathic arnica preparation (D4) on delayed onset muscle soreness: placebo-controlled crossover study. MMW Fortschr Med 2006;Jul 20, 148(29-30):35.

  15. Riley D. Arnica montana and homeopathic dosing guidelines. Plast Reconstr Surg 2003;112(2):693.

  16. Robertson A, Suryanarayanan R, Banerjee A. Homeopathic Arnica montana for post-tonsillectomy analgesia: a randomized placebo control trial. Homeopathy 2007;Jan, 96(1):17-21.

  17. Stevinson C, Devaraj VS, Fountain-Barber A, et al. Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery. J R Soc Med 2003;96(2):60-65.

  18. Totonchi A, Guyuron B. A randomized, controlled comparison between arnica and steroids in the management of postrhinoplasty ecchymosis and edema. Plast Reconstr Surg 2007;Jul, 120(1):271-274.

  19. Tveiten D, Bruset S. Effect of arnica D30 in marathon runners: pooled results from two double-blind placebo controlled studies. Homeopathy 2003;Oct, 92(4):187-189.

  20. Varshney JP, Naresh R. Evaluation of a homeopathic complex in the clinical management of udder diseases of riverine buffaloes. Homeopathy 2004;Jan, 93(1):17-20.

  21. Wolf M, Tamaschke C, Mayer W, et al. Efficacy of arnica in varicose vein surgery: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2003;Oct, 10(5):242-247.