Systemic steroids

Systemic steroids are taken orally as a pill or in an intramuscular injection. Systemic steroids mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

Systemic steroids are generally only used as a short-term measure to try to stop the hair from falling rapidly. Long-term use is usually avoided as there can be serious side effects when taken for longer periods.

Systemic steroids might be prescribed to patients with the following alopecia types:

alopecia areata (including totalis and universalis), lichen planopilaris (LPP).

Latest

Reflecting on my alopecia journey during Alopecia Awareness Month

Emma shares her thoughts on some of the challenges that those with alopecia face and reflects on her own progress
The Rollercoaster of Alopecia

Amanda shares her experience of alopecia areata in this blog for Alopecia Awareness Month 2024
Evie Smith's fundraising page for Alopecia UK featuring Team Friel

I am fundraising for Alopecia UK because its a charity close to my heart.
Sam's fundraising page for Alopecia UK

I am fundraising for Alopecia UK because its a charity close to my heart.

Common Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Information about common treatments for Alopecia Areata
Alopecia and Covid-19 (New Coronavirus)

A statement from Alopecia UK regarding COVID-19 and vaccines.
Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out, usually in usually in round or oval patches on the scalp or other places on the body that grow hair, such as the beard, eyebrows or eyelashes. Types of Alopecia Areata include Patchy Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Alopecia Barbae, Diffuse Alopecia Areata and Alopecia Ophiasis.
Responding to the events from the 2022 Oscars

We respond to the events from the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony and the actions of Will Smith
Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

Male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss. Hairs falls out in a well-defined pattern in men, whereas in women, the hair usually becomes thinner all over the head rather than receding from the temples.
A Guide to Wigs

Links to our downloaded PDF wig guide, and information on the NHS England wig report.
Lichen Planopilaris (Scarring Alopecia)

Primary Scarring Alopecias (also known as cicatricial alopecias or scarring hair loss) are a group of conditions that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. In Lichen Planopilaris, patches of scalp appear, most commonly on the sides, front and lower back of the scalp.
Can I dye my hair when I have alopecia?
Telogen Effluvium

With Telogen Effluvium more hairs than usual move into the telogen (resting) phase and shed, so you may notice more hair falling out than usual. Telogen Effluvium is often caused by a physical or psychological trigger and often resolves itself spontaneously.
NICE Recommends Ritlecitinib (Litfulo) for Routine Commissioning on the NHS for patients with severe alopecia areata aged 12 and over

NICE has recommended the first ever treatment for routine commissioning on the NHS for treatment of severe alopecia areata for patients aged 12 and over