Alternative names
Alopecia totalis; Alopecia areata

Definition
Alopecia areata is Hair loss of unknown cause, characterized by round patches of complete baldness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The specific cause of alopecia areata is unknown. A family history of alopecia is present in about a fifth of all cases. Alopecia areata is occasionally associated with autoimmune diseases.

Alopecia may also occur as alopecia totalis with complete loss of scalp hair or as alopecia universalis with total loss of all body hair.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of alopecia areata is roundish patches of Hair loss on the head, with smooth, hairless scalp in the affected areas. Alopecia totalis involves the complete loss of all scalp hair, and alopecia universalis is characterized by the complete loss of all scalp and body hair.

Hairs that look like exclamation points are sometime seen at the edges of a bald patch.

Signs and tests
On occasion, a scalp biopsy may be performed.

Treatment
No fully effective treatments are available. Typical therapy includes:

 
• Topical corticosteroids (medium to very high potency)  
• Subcutaneous (under the skin surface) steroid injection  
• Ultraviolet light therapy

Irritating agents may be applied to hairless areas to promote regrowth

Expectations (prognosis)
Full recovery of hair is common. However, alopecia areata occurring at a young age, prolonged alopecia, or the presence of eczema (atopic dermatitis) often predicts a poorer outcome.

Complications
Permanent hair loss is a possible complication of alopecia areata.

Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are concerned about hair loss.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.