Alopecia Mucinosa: Understanding Treatments and Options

Alopecia mucinosa is a condition where the accumulation of a substance called mucin causes issues such as baldness and lesions on sections of the skin where hair normally grows.

Function

• While there is no one tried and true treatment for alopecia mucinosa, there are a variety of methods a doctor may try to cure the condition.

Corticosteroids

• The use of corticosteroids, whether it be a topical cream or injected, can help curb mucin accumulation and stop alopecia mucinosa.

UV Therapy

• The use of ultraviolet light therapy, as well some radiation therapy, can cut down the buildup of mucin.

Strong Medication

• In some severe cases, the use of stronger medication like interferon or dapsone may be required to treat the condition.

Time Frame

• Since alopecia mucinosa is difficult to predict, especially when it sometimes resolves itself, treating to condition can be somewhat frustrating.