Q Along with vitiligo I also developed alopecia areata, and the hair in the patch areas has turned white. Can these improve together too?
A Vitiligo and alopecia areata are in the same autoimmune family, so they sometimes appear together. Treatment that stabilizes the immune system's excessive reaction addresses the foundation of both symptoms, so it can help improve the accompanying changes as well.
Detailed Answer
As vitiligo progresses, the hair in the patch areas can also lose pigment and turn white, and due to the same autoimmune tendency, alopecia areata can appear alongside it. This occurs as the immune system attacks not only melanocytes but also the hair follicles. For both symptoms, stabilizing immune balance becomes the common starting point.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
A Korean medicine clinic does not chase vitiligo and alopecia areata separately, but focuses on addressing the same root—an overheated immune system. Once the immune system stabilizes and qi and blood circulation to the scalp and the periphery of the skin recover, a favorable influence can be expected on the recovery of the accompanying hair-loss areas along with the white patches.
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