TCM practitioner gives tips for alopecia areata

• By Lo Pi and Fion Khan / Staff reporter, with staff writer

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A technology worker developed a bald patch after months of overtime and late nights, but showed improvement after four months of treatment and lifestyle adjustments, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner said on Saturday.

A 32-year-old project manager in the tech industry developed a coin-sized bald patch on the back of his head after six months of working overtime and staying up late under significant stress over the launch of a major company project, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Chuang Ke-chun (莊可鈞) said.

He was diagnosed with alopecia areata, a prevalent non-scarring form of hair loss, which typically presents as clearly defined round or oval smooth bald patches, often without visible redness, inflammation or scaling on the scalp, she said.

Many people only discover the condition when looking in the mirror, styling their hair or being told by others, Chuang added.

The condition is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, disrupting normal growth cycles, she said.

While high-stress environments, emotional trauma and irregular sleeping habits might be associated with the onset of the condition, genetic predisposition and other autoimmune disorders can also increase risk, she said.

Hair loss should not be attributed solely to psychological stress without medical evaluation, she added.

In traditional Chinese medicine, treatment approaches are tailored to each patient’s physical constitution, sleep quality and emotional state, she said.

Common TCM therapies aim to tonify the liver and kidneys, nourish and move the blood, soothe the liver and calm the mind, she said, adding that acupuncture might also be incorporated into the regimen.

People are advised to make lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining regular routines, ensuring adequate sleep and managing stress through exercise, meditation or yoga, Chuang said.

A balanced diet should include high-quality proteins such as fish, meat, eggs and beans, alongside foods rich in iron, zinc, vitamin D and B vitamins, while avoiding extreme calorie restriction, she said.

The scalp should be washed gently, using the fingertips to massage rather the fingernails to scratch, and excessive heat should be avoided when drying the hair, Chuang said.

As hair growth takes time and response rates vary, people should attend regular follow-up appointments rather than becoming overly anxious about short-term results, she said.

Anyone noticing sudden patchy hair loss should seek prompt medical evaluation, she said.

Chuang cautioned against applying irritants such as raw ginger or garlic to the scalp, warning that such folk remedies can cause contact dermatitis and aggravate scalp conditions.