Alopecia Areata: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair-loss condition that can cause sudden patchy loss on the scalp or body. Learn how it develops, the signs to look for and the treatment options commonly considered.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, disrupting the normal hair growth cycle and causing hairs to fall prematurely.
Unlike male or female pattern hair loss, which generally develops gradually, alopecia areata often appears suddenly as one or more clearly defined areas of hair loss.
It can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows and other areas of the body. The condition can occur at almost any age and affects both men and women.
Alopecia areata can also be unpredictable. Some people experience a single episode followed by regrowth, while others experience recurring periods of hair loss and recovery.
Common patterns of alopecia areata.
The condition can range from one or two small patches to much more extensive hair loss.
Patchy Alopecia Areata
The most common presentation, usually producing one or more round or oval areas of hair loss on the scalp or beard.
Alopecia Totalis
A more extensive form involving complete or near-complete loss of hair from the scalp.
Alopecia Universalis
A rarer and more extensive form that can result in loss of hair across the scalp and body.
Symptoms of alopecia areata.
- Sudden round or coin-shaped bald patches
- Short broken hairs around the edges of affected areas
- So-called “exclamation mark” hairs that become narrower towards the root
- Loss affecting the beard, eyebrows or eyelashes
- Nail changes such as small pits or ridges
- Smooth, non-scarred skin within affected areas
What causes alopecia areata?
- Immune activity: Immune cells mistakenly target otherwise healthy hair follicles.
- Genetics: Family history and genetic susceptibility can play a role.
- Other autoimmune conditions: Conditions such as thyroid disease and vitiligo are sometimes associated.
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress may coincide with episodes in some individuals.
- Illness and immune triggers: Infections or other immune events may sometimes precede an episode.
How is alopecia areata treated?
There is currently no permanent cure for alopecia areata, but treatments may help control immune activity, encourage regrowth or support the scalp while follicles recover.
Corticosteroids
Dermatologists may use corticosteroid injections, creams or other preparations to reduce immune activity around affected follicles.
JAK Inhibitors
Newer prescription medicines target immune signalling pathways involved in alopecia areata and may be considered in suitable cases.
Topical Minoxidil
Minoxidil may sometimes be recommended to encourage regrowth, particularly alongside treatment of the underlying autoimmune activity.
Scalp Care
Maintaining a healthy scalp and treating accompanying inflammation, irritation or dandruff may help create a better environment for recovery.
Nutritional Support
Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron or vitamin D can contribute additional stress to the hair cycle and should be identified and corrected.
Monitoring & Medical Review
Because the condition is unpredictable, ongoing assessment with a dermatologist can be useful where episodes are severe or recurring.
Alopecia areata vs other forms of hair loss.
Hair loss can look similar at first glance, but the underlying causes can be very different.
Can hair grow back after alopecia areata?
Yes. In many cases, hair can regrow because alopecia areata does not normally destroy the follicle permanently.
Regrowing hairs may initially appear finer or lighter in colour before gradually returning towards their previous appearance. The speed and extent of recovery varies significantly between individuals.
Support healthier hair from within.
HR23+® is a comprehensive hair supplement designed to provide broad nutritional support for normal hair growth and stronger, healthier-looking hair.
It does not treat the autoimmune cause of alopecia areata, but it can form part of a wider nutritional hair-care routine where additional support is appropriate.
- 23 carefully selected ingredients
- Supports normal hair health
- Helps provide broad nutritional support during periods of shedding
- Designed for consistent long-term use
Sudden patchy hair loss should be assessed.
If you develop sudden bald patches, eyebrow or eyelash loss, extensive shedding or other unexplained hair changes, speak to your GP, dermatologist or another suitably qualified healthcare professional. Correct diagnosis is particularly important with autoimmune and scarring forms of alopecia.