Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, typically in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body with hair. It can occur at any age but often begins in childhood or young adulthood. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and an abnormal immune response that mistakenly targets hair follicles as foreign invaders.

 

The characteristic feature of alopecia areata is the sudden onset of smooth, round patches of hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other hairy areas of the body. In some cases, the condition may progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis). Diagnosis is usually based on the appearance of the hair loss.

 

Treatment options for alopecia areata include topical corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections into the affected areas, topical immunotherapy, and oral medications such as corticosteroids and/or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Hair regrowth can occur spontaneously in some individuals, but treatment can help promote faster regrowth and prevent further hair loss. Management of alopecia areata is individualized based on the severity of the condition and the patient's preferences and needs.