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Alopecia areata
Alopecia totalis; Alopecia universalis; Ophiasis; Hair loss - patchy
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes round patches of hair loss. It can lead to total hair loss.
Causes
Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition . This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.
Autoimmune condition
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 types of aut...
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.
Alopecia
Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.
Symptoms
Hair loss is usually the only symptom. A few people may also feel a burning sensation or itching.
Alopecia areata usually begins as 1 to 2 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.
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.
If alopecia areata leads to total hair loss, it often occurs within 6 months after symptoms first start.
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.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
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.
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
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Eczema
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is a type of eczema. Other forms of eczema include...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Long-term alopecia
- Widespread or complete loss of scalp or body hair
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you are concerned about hair loss.
References
Habif TP. Hair diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 24.
Vivehanantha S, Berth-Jones J. Alopecia areata. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 10.
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Alopecia areata with pustules - illustration
Pus-filled lesions (pustules) are unusual in alopecia areata, but can occur, as in this picture. The pustules are infected where medication was injected into the area.
Alopecia areata with pustules
illustration
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Alopecia totalis - back view of the head - illustration
Hair loss is referred to as alopecia. Patchy hair loss on the scalp is called alopecia areata. Complete scalp hair loss is alopecia totalis. Loss of all body hair is called alopecia universalis.
Alopecia totalis - back view of the head
illustration
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Alopecia totalis - front view of the head - illustration
Hair loss is referred to as alopecia. Patchy hair loss on the scalp is called alopecia areata. Complete scalp hair loss is alopecia totalis. Hair loss from the entire body, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair, is alopecia universalis.
Alopecia totalis - front view of the head
illustration
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Alopecia, under treatment - illustration
This picture shows alopecia areata, under treatment. The hair loss is being treated with anthralin, which causes the brownish hyperpigmentation and can induce hair regrowth. It is very unlikely regrowth will occur when hair is lost along the scalp margin (ophiasis).
Alopecia, under treatment
illustration
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Alopecia areata with pustules - illustration
Pus-filled lesions (pustules) are unusual in alopecia areata, but can occur, as in this picture. The pustules are infected where medication was injected into the area.
Alopecia areata with pustules
illustration
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Alopecia totalis - back view of the head - illustration
Hair loss is referred to as alopecia. Patchy hair loss on the scalp is called alopecia areata. Complete scalp hair loss is alopecia totalis. Loss of all body hair is called alopecia universalis.
Alopecia totalis - back view of the head
illustration
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Alopecia totalis - front view of the head - illustration
Hair loss is referred to as alopecia. Patchy hair loss on the scalp is called alopecia areata. Complete scalp hair loss is alopecia totalis. Hair loss from the entire body, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair, is alopecia universalis.
Alopecia totalis - front view of the head
illustration
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Alopecia, under treatment - illustration
This picture shows alopecia areata, under treatment. The hair loss is being treated with anthralin, which causes the brownish hyperpigmentation and can induce hair regrowth. It is very unlikely regrowth will occur when hair is lost along the scalp margin (ophiasis).
Alopecia, under treatment
illustration
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Alopecia
(Alt. Medicine)
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Rosemary
(Alt. Medicine)
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Lavender
(Alt. Medicine)
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Hypnotherapy
(Alt. Medicine)
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Vitamin H (Biotin)
(Alt. Medicine)
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Aromatherapy
(Alt. Medicine)
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Stress
(In-Depth)
Review Date: 10/24/2016
Reviewed By: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
