Browse A-Z

More <
bookmarks-menu

Alopecia areata

Show Alternative Names
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 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:

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.

Review Date: 11/30/2022

Reviewed 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.

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.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

All
Videos
Images
Alopecia areata with pustules - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia areata with pustules

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.

Illustration

Alopecia totalis - back view of the head - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia totalis - back view of the head

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.

Illustration

Alopecia totalis - front view of the head - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia totalis - front view of the head

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.

Illustration

Alopecia, under treatment - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia, under treatment

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).

Illustration

 
 
Alopecia areata with pustules - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia areata with pustules

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.

Illustration

Alopecia totalis - back view of the head - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia totalis - back view of the head

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.

Illustration

Alopecia totalis - front view of the head - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia totalis - front view of the head

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.

Illustration

Alopecia, under treatment - Illustration Thumbnail

Alopecia, under treatment

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).

Illustration

 
##RemoveMe##
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
© 1997-ADAM Company Logo All rights reserved.