Alopecia areata

Definition

Alopecia areata is a condition that causes round patches of hair loss. It can lead to total hair loss.

Alternative Names

Alopecia totalis; Alopecia universalis; Ophiasis; Hair loss - patchy

Causes

Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy hair follicles.

Some people with this condition have a family history of alopecia. Alopecia areata is seen in men, women, and children. In a few people, hair loss may occur after a major life event such as an illness, pregnancy, or trauma.

Symptoms

Hair loss is usually the only symptom. A few people may also feel a burning sensation or itching.

Alopecia areata usually begins as one to several (1 cm to 4 cm) patches of hair loss. Hair loss is most often seen on the scalp. It may also occur in the beard, eyebrows, pubic hair, and arms or legs in some people. Nail pitting may also occur.

Patches where hair has fallen out are smooth and round in shape. They may be peach-colored. Hairs that look like exclamation points are sometimes seen at the edges of a bald patch with a magnifying tool.

If alopecia areata leads to total hair loss, it often occurs within 6 months after symptoms first start. This is called alopecia totalis when the entire scalp is involved, and alopecia universalis when the entire body is affected.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms, focusing on areas where you have hair loss.

A scalp biopsy may be done. Blood tests may also be done to check for autoimmune conditions and thyroid problems.

Treatment

If hair loss is not widespread, the hair will often regrow in a few months without treatment.

For more severe hair loss, it is not clear how much treatment can help change the course of the condition.

Common treatments may include:

Steroid injection under the skin surface
Medicines applied to the skin
Ultraviolet light therapy

A wig may be used to hide areas of hair loss.

Support Groups

More information and support for people with alopecia areata and their families can be found at:

National Alopecia Areata Foundation -- www.naaf.org

Outlook (Prognosis)

Full recovery of hair is common.

However, some people may have a poorer outcome, including those with:

Alopecia areata that starts at a young age
Eczema
Long-term alopecia
Widespread or complete loss of scalp or body hair

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you are concerned about hair loss.

Gallery

Hair follicle — Each hair sits in a cavity in the skin called a follicle. Over time the follicle can shrink causing the hair to become shorter and finer. Ordinarily, the hair should grow back but in men who are balding the very small follicle ceases to grow any hair. The cause of baldness is not well understood, but is thought to be related to the genes and male sex hormones of the individual.

References

Dinulos JGH. Hair diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.

Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR. Disorders of hair. In: Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR, eds. Dermatology: An Illustrated Colour Text. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38.

Last reviewed November 30, 2022 by Elika Hoss, MD, Senior Associate Consultant, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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