Is garlic treatment for hair loss effective? A Canadian team of researchers has set out to test just that, aiming to evaluate garlic pills and topical treatments as a method for treating alopecia areata among children and teenagers. A number of children under the age of 16 suffer with alopecia areata, a condition characterized by sudden and patchy hair loss. Kids and young teens are limited in treatment options, as many are not candidates for topical foams, prescription medications, or surgical hair restoration. Researchers hope an all-natural treatment, like garlic extract, may someday alleviate hair loss symptoms along with the fear and social anxiety they cause.
Investigating a Garlic Treatment for Hair Loss
Researchers in Canada hope to find a hair loss cure in garlic, a bulb-shaped plant known to have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The new trial has been announced on ClinicalTrials.gov. The researchers write:
The investigators propose to conduct an open label, prospective cohort pilot study using topical garlic concentrate (GarlicRich) for treatment of children with Alopecia Areata. Study medication will be applied topically on affected area of the skin daily for 6 months. Follow up visits will occur monthly to access the efficacy and safety of the proposed treatment.
A full posting of this study can be viewed by visiting ClinicalTrials.gov.
Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss
Only time will tell if a garlic treatment for hair loss can help to reverse the signs of thinning, shedding, or patchy baldness. In the meantime, there are only a few treatment options for children and teenagers who have alopecia. Some of the more popular options include:
Improving diet. The body needs a balanced diet, as well as a comprehensive assortment of essential vitamins and minerals in order to grow, heal, and achieve peak performance. This is especially true for growing children and young teens. Take a moment to review the components of a healthy hair diet, and think of delicious ways to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into every meal.
Managing stress. Stress can be devastating on a mental, emotional, and physical level. Telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, specifically, have been found to trigger and/or worsen hair loss. Children and young teens are encouraged to learn stress management and coping skills at an early age to not only prevent hair loss, but to improve overall health and vitality as well. Mindfulness meditation, sketching, coloring, light exercise, and journaling are all proven outlets for mitigating the negative effects of stress.
Wearing hairpieces. In some cases, hairpieces are the best solution for children and teenagers who suffer with various forms of alopecia.
This news article has been published by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Readers are welcomed to contact us online, or call our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.