Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a condition involving the sudden onset of localized, patchy hair loss. It can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alopecia areata is called “You Feng” (油风), and is also known as “Ghost Licked Head” (鬼舐头) or “Ghost-Shorn Head” (鬼剃头).
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Treatment Reference
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Most patients experience low or fluctuating mood before onset. Hair gradually falls out, accompanied by chest tightness and frequent sighing; there may be a sensation of something stuck in the throat, menstrual irregularities in women, or insomnia with vivid dreams, nervous exhaustion, and low mood. The tongue is pale, the coating is thin, and the pulse is deep.
In plain language:
- Most people experience low mood or noticeable mood swings before symptoms begin.
- Hair gradually falls out, with increasing hair loss over time.
- The chest may feel tight or uncomfortable, often prompting frequent sighing for relief.
- There may be an unexplained sensation of something stuck in the throat.
- Women may have irregular periods, with changes in cycle length or menstrual flow.
- Poor sleep and vivid dreams, with a tendency to feel tired, tense, or low in mood.
- The tongue may appear pale, suggesting a lack of color.
- The tongue coating is thin rather than thick.
- The pulse feels deep when pressed, with a less noticeable beat.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Soothe the Liver and regulate Qi; invigorate blood and promote hair growth.
In plain language:
- May help soothe Liver Qi and regulate the movement of Qi, easing discomfort such as distension in the chest and flanks, low mood, or difficulty belching.
- May help promote blood circulation and nourish Qi and blood, addressing signs such as hair loss, scalp discomfort, or a dull complexion.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
The condition progresses rapidly, with sudden patchy hair loss. Before hair loss, the scalp may suddenly feel hot or itchy. There may also be irritability, restlessness, insomnia with vivid dreams, bright-red lips, a red tongue, a thin coating, and a rapid or wiry pulse.
In plain language:
- The condition progresses quickly.
- Hair suddenly falls out in patches.
- The scalp may suddenly feel hot or itchy before hair loss.
- There may be feelings of irritability and restlessness.
- Insomnia and vivid dreams may occur at night.
- The lips may appear bright red.
- The tongue may appear red.
- The tongue coating may be thin.
- The pulse may be rapid or wiry.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear heat and cool the blood; nourish Yin and dispel wind.
In plain language:
- May help clear internal heat and cool the blood, easing discomfort such as feeling hot and irritable, thirst, dry throat, or red skin patches.
- May help nourish Yin and dispel pathogenic wind, addressing signs such as dizziness, numbness in the limbs, or itchy skin.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Patchy hair loss may occur after childbirth or following a prolonged or serious illness. It may gradually worsen, with patches merging into larger areas. Other symptoms may include dizziness, reluctance to speak, fatigue and weakness, palpitations, shortness of breath, vivid dreams, forgetfulness, pale lips and nails, a pale tongue, a thin coating, and a fine, weak pulse.
In plain language:
- This pattern is often seen after childbirth or following a prolonged or serious illness. Hair falls out in patches, with the loss gradually worsening and patches potentially merging into larger areas.
- You may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- You may feel short of breath when speaking and have little desire to talk.
- You may tire easily, feel weak, and lack energy.
- Palpitations and shortness of breath may occur, and may become more noticeable with activity.
- You may have vivid dreams and become more forgetful.
- The lips and nails may look pale.
- The tongue may appear pale.
- The tongue coating may be thin.
- The pulse may feel fine and weak.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify Qi and nourish blood; supplement deficiency and promote hair growth.
In plain language:
- May help replenish vital energy and nourish the blood, addressing discomfort such as fatigue, shortness of breath, a pale complexion, dizziness, or palpitations.
- May help address a state of weakness and support hair growth, addressing signs such as hair loss, thinning hair, or slow growth.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Hair loss has persisted for a long time, or newly grown hair is not firmly rooted and repeatedly falls out. The hair may be dry, yellowish, fine, soft, and prone to breakage. In severe cases, all scalp hair may be lost, and fine body hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, underarm hair, and pubic hair may also fall out, resulting in universal hair loss. Other symptoms may include a dull complexion, dizziness, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, tinnitus, and insomnia. The tongue is pale, the coating is thin, and the pulse is deep and fine.
In plain language:
- Hair loss has lasted a long time. New hair may not be firmly rooted and may repeatedly fall out.
- The hair may be dry and yellowish, or fine, soft, and easily broken. In severe cases, all the hair may fall out, including fine body hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, underarm hair, and pubic hair.
- The face may look dull and lack a healthy glow.
- You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing or moving around.
- The lower back and knees may feel sore and weak, especially after sitting or standing for a long time.
- You may hear ringing in the ears, even when it is quiet.
- You may sleep poorly or have difficulty falling asleep at night.
- The tongue may look pale, with a thin coating.
- The pulse may feel deep and fine, with little force when pressed.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Nourish and supplement the Liver and Kidneys; darken the hair and promote hair growth.
In plain language:
- May help nourish the Liver and Kidneys, addressing discomfort such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, or blurred vision.
- May help improve the condition of the hair, support darker hair and new growth, and address signs such as hair loss or dry, yellowish hair.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Hair loss has persisted for a long time, and the affected scalp areas are smooth and shiny, with indistinct pores. There may be intermittent scalp tingling or pain, a dull complexion, purple spots on the tongue or dark-purple discoloration under the tongue, and a choppy pulse. This pattern may also be seen in people who have had hair loss for many years without regrowth despite prolonged treatment and who have no clear accompanying symptoms.
In plain language:
- Hair loss has persisted for a long time. The affected scalp may be smooth and shiny, with pores that are difficult to see.
- There may be intermittent tingling or a prickling sensation on the scalp.
- The complexion may look dull and lack a healthy glow.
- Purple or dark spots may be visible on the tongue, or the veins under the tongue may look dark purple and prominent.
- The pulse may feel choppy or sluggish.
- This pattern may also occur after years of hair loss without regrowth despite prolonged treatment, when there are no obvious accompanying symptoms.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Invigorate blood and resolve stasis; unblock the channels and collaterals.
In plain language:
- May help promote blood circulation and resolve stasis, addressing signs such as purple spots, pain, or irregular periods.
- May help unblock the channels and collaterals, addressing discomfort such as numbness in the limbs, aching joints, or restricted movement.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Sun Ying. An overview of pattern-based treatment of alopecia areata with Chinese patent medicines [J]. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education, 2013, 11(23): 129-130.
- Sun Yuanyuan, Zhong Jiang. Research progress on the treatment of alopecia areata with ethnic medicines [J]. Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy of Chinese Minorities, 2015, 12: 28-29.
- Huang Lei. Clinical observation of Yangxue Shengfa Capsules combined with laser therapy for alopecia areata [J]. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2015(10): 1396-1397.
- Yang Dongsheng, Du Jinhui, Lü Xinxiang, et al. Topical treatment of alopecia areata with minoxidil combined with vitamin A [J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatology, 2000, 133(6): 435.
- Li Xiaoheng. Clinical observation of Yangzhen Shengfa Granules in the treatment of 251 cases of alopecia areata [J]. Hunan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1995, 11(1): 17-18.
- Li Yunhua, Ma Junyan. Experience with treating alopecia areata using the method of soothing the Liver and invigorating blood [J]. Journal of Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2004, 4(27): 44-45.
- Zhao Huaizhi, Tu Huihui. Jingwu Capsules for the treatment of 30 cases of alopecia areata [J]. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education, 2013, 3(11): 34-35.
- Chen Wenwen. Research progress on TCM treatment of alopecia areata [J]. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine, 2015, 24(19): 81-83.