Aromatherapy is an effective, alternative treatment for patients suffering with Alopecia areata, according to researchers at the Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Scotland.

In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, lasting 7 months, eighty-six patients diagnosed as having Alopecia areata were split into two groups. The first group received a combination of essential oils - thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood in a base of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) - massaged into their scalps daily. The second group had just the base massage oil massaged into their scalp.

The treatment was assessed using sequential photographs taken by two dermatologists (I.C.H. and A.D.O.) independently of each other, and the photographs were then analysed via two methods - a 6-point scale and computerized analysis of traced areas of Alopecia. Records were taken before the treatment commenced, after three months, and then again after seven months.

The results revealed that nineteen (44%) of 43 patients in the treatment group showed improvement compared with just 6 (15%) of 41 patients in the control group. The degree of improvement on photographic assessment was found to be highly significant. A demographic analysis showed that the two groups were well matched for prognostic factors, and the researchers concluded that, from the results of their study, aromatherapy is a safe and effective treatment for Alopecia areata.

Source: Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Hay IC; Jamieson M; Ormerod AD Arch Dermatol, 134:1349-52, 1998 Nov