Alopecia Areata and Hair Loss: What Does Aloe Vera Have to Do With It?

Alopecia Areata and Hair Loss: What Does Aloe Vera Have to Do With It?

A disease of unknown cause in which well-defined bald patches occur, usually on the head and other hairy parts of the body. The condition typically clears up without treatment; Recurrences are common. Alopecia areata is an immune system disorder in which hair follicles no longer produce new hair. Approximately 2% of us will experience a case of alopecia areata at some point in our lives.

Although doctors have no known cure for alopecia areata, there have been some discoveries in medical research in the field of aloe. (El Zawahry M; Rashad M; Hegazy MR; Helal M; Use of aloe in the treatment of dermatoses. Int J Dermatol. 1973; 12: 68-73)

Aloe vera gel, the substance from the inner leaf, has long been used for its wound healing properties and contains mainly polysaccharides consisting of acetylated mannose, glucose, galactose and arabinose. Numerous studies have documented the effectiveness of fresh gel in healing skin or excessive x-ray or thermal burns. Fresh aloe vera gel applied to the skin has been shown to be effective for alopecia and alopecia areata. Several human clinical studies documenting the effectiveness of aloe vera gel in treating psoriasis, burn wounds, and skin abrasions have been documented. (Woodward S; The Soothing Aloe Vera Plant. Delicious. 1997; 68-71)

Although medical wisdom says that there is no cure for alopecia, there is medical research that states that alopecia has improved greatly when it comes to aloe vera. Alopecia is not a life treatment, but it can be annoying. Remember, alopecia is not something you can lose your hair over.

Inspired by Richard Amburn