Alopecia areata cannot be cured; however, it can be treated and the hair can grow back.

In many cases, alopecia areata is treated with drugs that are used for other conditions. Treatment options for alopecia areata include:

Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases. Corticosteroids can be given as an injection into the scalp or other areas, orally (as a pill), or applied topically (rubbed into the skin) as an ointment, cream, or foam. Response to therapy may be gradual.

Rogaine: This topical drug is already used as a treatment for pattern baldness. It usually takes about 12 weeks of treatment with Rogaine before hair begins to grow.

Other drugs that are used for alopecia areata with varying degrees of effectiveness include medications used to treat psoriasis and topical sensitizers (drugs that are applied to the skin and cause an allergic reaction that can cause hair growth).

Other Tips:

Apart from drug treatments, there are various cosmetic and protective techniques that people with alopecia areata can try. These include:

Using makeup to hide or minimize hair loss
Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun and the environment
Wearing coverings (wigs, hats, or scarves) to protect the head from the elements

Reducing stress. Many people with new onset alopecia areata have had recent stresses in life, such as work, family, deaths, surgeries, accidents, etc. However, this has not been proven scientifically as a cause of alopecia areata.

While the disease is not medically serious, it can impact people psychologically. Support groups are available to help people with alopecia areata deal with the psychological effects of the condition. Further information may be found at the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (www.naaf.org).

Reviewed by doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dermatology.
References :
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/alopecia-areata