Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a condition in which the immune system targets the hair follicles, causing hair loss that develops suddenly — most often on the scalp, but also in the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes and other hair-bearing areas of the body.

The condition usually begins as round or oval patches of hair loss. Some patients have only one or a few patches, while in others it may affect a large part of the scalp or all of the scalp hair; loss of eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair may also occur.

The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully known, but stress, infections and certain environmental factors are thought to trigger the condition in genetically predisposed individuals. It is not contagious, and because the hair follicles are not permanently damaged, hair regrowth is possible with appropriate treatment.

Treatment is planned according to the extent and duration of the condition, the patient's age and any accompanying findings. A number of effective options are available today, including topical treatments, intralesional steroid injections, topical immunotherapy and JAK inhibitors. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play an important role in bringing the condition under control.