Herbal remedies to combat alopecia scars

Herbal remedies to combat alopecia scars

Treating this hair loss condition proves to be extremely difficult as when the hair follicles are destroyed, hair restoration becomes very difficult. Treatment for hair loss in this condition is usually based on preserving the remaining hair that is susceptible to falling out and stopping further loss. The treatment procedure also aims to reduce inflammation, flaking, pigmentation and redness of the scalp area.

Cicatricial alopecia and hair loss treatment and hair restoration options

In cicatricial alopecia, hair loss is permanent. Hair follicles are not restored in the scarred areas and hair transplantation is also not possible. However, for those affected by this hair loss, there are a number of remedies that can help treat the scar tissue.

Gotu Kola

This is an aquatic weed commonly found in the Southern Hemisphere. Its medicinal properties have made it popular over the years and Gotu Kola has been used for many centuries. This herb can be easily obtained in the form of an ointment from any health food store. Applying it to newly formed scars usually produces the best results for this herbal remedy. The various components it contains help regulate collagen production. It also increases blood flow to scar tissue, thereby improving skin elasticity. Gotu Kola also has an antioxidant effect that helps in the regeneration of skin tissue.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera comes in 400 different species and it is the Aloe Barbadensis variety that usually has all the medicinal properties. Many cosmetics contain aloe vera extracts. However, the effect can best be observed when the gel is applied in a healthy form directly from the leaves. This herb has anti-inflammatory effects that help regenerate new skin cells and also repair wounds. Using aloe vera also helps in improving the appearance of existing scars.

Onions

One of the most popular over-the-counter scar treatment creams Mederma contains onion as an active ingredient. Applying this gel on the scarred areas about four times a day will give you better results. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that also regulate the overproduction of collagen that would otherwise have resulted in hypertrophic scars on the skin.

Although there are no approved methods to treat the hair loss condition of cicatricial alopecia, surgery is the only way to stop hair loss. Once the condition has subsided, patches of skin can be taken from the unaffected areas and transplanted to the larger areas affected by scarring. Topical application of minoxidil in combination with hair transplant also helps in treating hair loss to some extent.