Teenager Recovers from Patchy Alopecia Areata

A 14-year-old girl, Miss A.P. (Patient ID: 46155), had a teleconsultation done in the Malleswaram clinic on 29th August 2021, by her parents for the complaint of alopecia patches on her scalp that had occurred 3 months ago. She had developed one patch on her scalp, which was spreading near the borders. She had no other complaints apart from this.

During the initial consultation, a comprehensive case history was taken, focusing on physical and mental state.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair shedding. While the exact cause remains unknown, factors like genetics, stress, and environmental triggers may contribute. Homeopathy offers a holistic approach to managing alopecia by focusing on individual symptoms and overall well-being. 

Physical makeup: 

Her appetite was good, and she was fond of spicy and Chinese food. There were no complaints pertaining to her bowels and bladder. She was more comfortable in the cold weather than any other weather, and she disliked very hot climates. Her sleep was sound.

Family and Mental Background:

She stayed with her parents and was studying in 10th class. She was well-supported and had a cordial relationship with her parents. She was very creative and artistic, very confident, and expressed her emotions well.

Past history:

She had not suffered from any kind of illness in the past.

Based on the above case history, she was prescribed individualized Pulsatilla 30 homeopathic medicine for a period of 2 months.

Follow-up:

Two months later, on 26.10.2021, she noted some growth of new hair in the alopecia patches. Dandruff with mild itching was noted, which she missed telling us during the initial consultation. Even that was monitored.

Upon 4 months of the treatment on 20.2.2022, she showed good results, and her alopecia areata was more than 50% better. Regrowth was noted over the patch, no new patch, no increase in dandruff, and itching of the scalp occasionally.

Treatment was further continued, and on 11.9.2022, there was complete recovery of the patch, regrowth was evident in the bald spots, no new spots were seen, there was no itching, dandruff was also better, and hair fall was under control.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the potential efficacy of homeopathy in managing alopecia areata, emphasizing the importance of individualized homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy offers a holistic approach, considering both physical and emotional triggers. The homeopathic remedies strengthen the immune system to stop autoimmune attacks on hair follicles, thereby halting the progression and spread of bald patches. They also stimulate the affected follicles naturally for natural hair regrowth. Homeopathic medicines are safe and gentle without any side effects and suitable for all age groups, including children and adolescents.

- Case study written by Dr. Shweta R., associate doctor to Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom.)