Nursing Assessment, Management and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
204
● Minoxidil : Minoxidil (Rogaine) can help to maintain regrowth after corticosteroids are discontinued. Treatment in persons over 10 Years of Age If there are only a few patches of alopecia areata, one or more of the following treat- ments may be initiated (AAD, 2021b): ● Injection of corticosteroids : Corticosteroids are injected into bald areas every 4 to 8 weeks. ● Application of minoxidil (Rogaine) : The medication is applied to bald spots once or twice a day as prescribed. It is useful when bald spots are over the scalp, beard area, and eyebrows. ● Application of anthralin : This medication is applied to bald spots, allowing it stay on the skin for as long as prescribed, and then it is washed off. Skin irritation is expected. Using anthralin in conjunction with minoxidil is prescribed for most effective results. If eyelashes are affected, false eye- lashes or wearing glasses helps to make hair loss less apparent. The use of bi- matoprost or similar medications has been approved, in addition to glaucoma treatment, to help eyelashes grow longer (AAD, 2021b). For eyebrow loss, “stick-on” eyebrows or semi-permanent tattoos may be used. A dermatologist may also inject intrale- sional corticosteroids in conjunction with the application of minoxidil (AAD, 2021b). If hair loss is rapid and extensive, the fol- lowing interventions may be used (AAD, 2021b): ● Topical immunotherapy : This intervention is designed to alter the immune system so that it stops attacking hair follicles. Treatment is
In addition to the physical findings, a complete health history needs to be ob- tained. Emphasis is on current state of health, medications being taken, and any risk factors that are in evidence. A men- tal health assessment is also an import- ant part of any assessment process (AAD, 2021a). Figure 1. Alopecia Areata
Note . Andrzej. (2011). Alopecia areata.JPG https://com- mons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Allopecia_areata.JPG Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis is based on patterns of hair loss, history, and physical findings. It is important to rule out other autoimmune disorders (AAD, 2021b). Treatment in Persons Less than 10 Years of Age Treatment depends on age, the amount of hair loss, and the location of the hair loss. In children 10 years of age and younger, treatment may be initiated to help hair regrowth. Pharmacological interventions include the following (AAD, 2021b): ● Corticosteroids : Prescription-strength corticosteroids may be applied to sites of hair loss. Corticosteroids may be applied once or twice a day. For children, corticosteroids alone may be effective in promoting hair growth.
Powered by FlippingBook