Hello,
I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns.
Alopecia areata (AA)is a kind of spontaneous hair loss and its cause is unknown,Some researches suggest the possibility of autoimmunity as a cause.
If the hair loss is patchy and affecting a small area,a spontaneous remission can be seen in about 80% of patients.But it takes more than a year for complete remission.So you can opt for a wait and see approach in case of small patches.
I would explain briefly about various treatment options.
(1)
Topical steroid like betnosol can be started as first line treatment.
(2) Topical
minoxidil (Tugain) is less effective when compared to betnosol.
(3) topical retinoids like tretinoin is effective in about 50% of patients.
You are now on combination of steroid and minoxidil and it will provide cosmetically acceptable results in few months.
So we could say that you are now on best possible medicines and I suggest you to wait for few months.It takes around three months for satisfactory results.
If these treatment does not show satisfactory results you can go for advanced methods like photochemo therapy and
hair transplantation.Your
dermatologist will guide you accordingly.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr.Shinas