Minoxidil is among the most commonly used medical aids in the niche of Alopecia Areata treatment. Alopecia Areata is essentially a typical form of hair loss that is more prevalent among middle aged men though it is also found in women and children. Alopecia Areata treatment is rather challenging since this hair loss condition leads to the formation of aggressively-progressing bald patches that are inflammatory in nature. Further, there are no defined reasons that can precisely explain the triggering factors responsible for this form of alopecia.
Minoxidil as Alopecia Areata Treatment
Minoxidil has a multi-faceted action through which it helps to control alopecia areata. For starters, it assists the development of new hair fibers. It promotes hair growth cycles, particularly the cell division aspect within the hair follicles. Minoxidil is known to assist hair growth by reducing calcium influx. This is vital since unregulated calcium uptake is one of the established factors that retards hair growth. Minoxidil medications contain the sulphate form of Minoxidil that increases potassium ion uptake and blocks calcium uptake. Further, Minoxidil promotes better scalp health by promoting the flow of blood in the scalp.
Understanding Minoxidil Usage
It should be noted that Minoxidil cannot stop hair loss--it is not a cure for hair loss. It is essentially a hair growth stimulator and can arrest further thinning of hair to some extent. This is why it is not recommended for men with large bald patches. It is ideally suited for men who are in the first stage of alopecia areata--the first signs of hair thinning along the crown of the head.
Minoxidil is well tolerated by most first-time users and its topical application is quite easy. However, when used excessively or without medical supervision, it can cause some side effects like increased itching or allergic reactions.
