Effective Management of Alopecia Totalis by Ayurveda: A Case Report

November 2023 in “ Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine ”

Shivanand Patil, Giramalla Patil, Vijay Patil

Alopecia totalis Alopecia areata Ayurvedic treatments cupping therapy topical steroids oral steroids Punarnava Mandoor manjistadi Kashaya asanadi gana Kashaya purnachandrodaya rasa churna combo Malatyadi taila Dhurdhurapatradi taila immunostimulant Ayurveda cupping herbal medicine

Studysummary In this study, a case of Alopecia totalis was treated using cupping therapy along with ayurvedic treatments, suggesting that the combination may be effective due to the herbs' synergistic effects and cupping's immunostimulant activity.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This case report discusses the management of Alopecia totalis (AT), a severe form of Alopecia areata (AA), using Ayurvedic treatments and cupping therapy. AT is characterized by total hair loss on the face and scalp, and only 10% of patients with AT/AU recover completely. Traditional treatments often involve topical and oral steroids, which can be unsatisfactory. In this case, the patient was treated with a combination of Ayurvedic herbs, including Punarnava Mandoor, manjistadi Kashaya, asanadi gana Kashaya, purnachandrodaya rasa, a churna combo, and Malatyadi and Dhurdhurapatradi taila for external application, along with cupping therapy. The treatment's success is attributed to the synergistic effects of the herbs and the immunostimulant properties of cupping.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Acne Exacerbation After Tofacitinib Treatment for Alopecia Areata

5 citations , January 2022 in “Dermatology Reports”

This report describes a case where the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib led to hair regrowth in a patient with alopecia totalis but also worsened facial acne, highlighting a unique adverse effect.

research Iron Plays a Certain Role in Patterned Hair Loss

40 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Korean Medical Science”

This study found that serum ferritin levels were lower in premenopausal women with female pattern hair loss compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential role for iron in hair loss.

research Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors in Early-Onset Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis

38 citations , January 2012 in “Journal of Korean Medical Science”

This study found that early-onset patients with alopecia universalis or a family history of alopecia areata showed worse prognosis compared to those with late-onset.