What to expect from steroid injection into the skin for alopecia areata

A clinician places corticosteroid into or just beneath areas affected by alopecia areata, often using a series of small injections. The aim is to reduce the local immune activity affecting hair follicles. The scalp can feel sore, sting, or develop small raised spots for a short time after treatment.

Hair regrowth, when it occurs, is gradual and may begin as fine, pale hairs before becoming more noticeable. Different patches can respond differently, and new areas of hair loss may appear. The clinician will examine the scalp at review rather than judging the response immediately after injection.

Keep the scalp clean according to the instructions given, and avoid scratching, vigorous massage, or irritating hair products while injection sites are tender. Protect exposed scalp from strong sunlight with suitable coverage. Take clear note of new patches, nail changes, or symptoms affecting eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body hair.

Attend planned reviews so the treatment plan can be adjusted. Tell the clinician about diabetes, infection, medicines, pregnancy, or previous steroid reactions before another session is considered.

Contact the clinic for worsening redness, warmth, pus, fever, severe pain, persistent bleeding, or a sore that does not heal. Report marked skin thinning, a deep indentation, or a striking colour change at an injection site. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, widespread allergic symptoms, or breathing difficulty.

Ask which patches are suitable for injection, when regrowth will be reviewed, how often scalp checks are needed, and what other options exist if loss spreads. Discuss how to protect exposed skin, how to recognise treatment complications, and whether eyebrow or eyelash involvement changes the plan.