This image displays a close-up of the scalp with a round area of non-scarring hair loss typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays a close-up of the scalp with a round area of non-scarring hair loss typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays a circular area of hair loss, with no redness or scarring of the scalp, typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays a circular area of hair loss, with no redness or scarring of the scalp, typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays patches of hair loss in the beard area typical of alopecia areata as well as areas that were affected previously, with the hair regrowing in white (without pigment).
This image displays patches of hair loss in the beard area typical of alopecia areata as well as areas that were affected previously, with the hair regrowing in white (without pigment).
This image displays a patient with alopecia areata that has had some spontaneous regrowth, covering many of the areas of hair loss.
This image displays a patient with alopecia areata that has had some spontaneous regrowth, covering many of the areas of hair loss.
This image displays a normal, healthy scalp with alopecia areata.
This image displays a normal, healthy scalp with alopecia areata.
This image displays broken hairs in hair follicles with an otherwise smooth scalp caused by alopecia areata.
This image displays broken hairs in hair follicles with an otherwise smooth scalp caused by alopecia areata.
This image displays nail pits and ridges typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays nail pits and ridges typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays hair regrowing as is typical with alopecia areata.
This image displays hair regrowing as is typical with alopecia areata.
Alopecia Areata can effect the eyebrows as well as any other hair growth areas.
Alopecia Areata can effect the eyebrows as well as any other hair growth areas.
The beard area can be involved in alopecia areata, even when the scalp is not. Areas of hair loss are typically round and quite noticeable when the beard grows.
The beard area can be involved in alopecia areata, even when the scalp is not. Areas of hair loss are typically round and quite noticeable when the beard grows.
A round area of non-scarring hair loss due to alopecia areata.
A round area of non-scarring hair loss due to alopecia areata.

Images of Alopecia Areata (11)

This image displays a close-up of the scalp with a round area of non-scarring hair loss typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays a circular area of hair loss, with no redness or scarring of the scalp, typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays patches of hair loss in the beard area typical of alopecia areata as well as areas that were affected previously, with the hair regrowing in white (without pigment).
This image displays a patient with alopecia areata that has had some spontaneous regrowth, covering many of the areas of hair loss.
This image displays a normal, healthy scalp with alopecia areata.
This image displays broken hairs in hair follicles with an otherwise smooth scalp caused by alopecia areata.
This image displays nail pits and ridges typical of alopecia areata.
This image displays hair regrowing as is typical with alopecia areata.
Alopecia Areata can effect the eyebrows as well as any other hair growth areas.
The beard area can be involved in alopecia areata, even when the scalp is not. Areas of hair loss are typically round and quite noticeable when the beard grows.
A round area of non-scarring hair loss due to alopecia areata.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition resulting in hair loss. The body’s immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicle and stops hair growth. The cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Hair loss may be confined to one or two small bald patches (flat, smooth areas larger than a thumbnail), or it may involve most of the scalp. It can also affect the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and other body sites, or it may involve the whole body. In most people, hair regrows spontaneously, although recurrences of the condition are also typical.

Who's At Risk?

Alopecia areata can occur in any age, race / ethnicity, and sex. The most frequent association is with thyroid disease, but it may also be seen in those with lupus, lichen planus, vitiligo, and Down syndrome.

Signs & Symptoms

Hair loss most commonly occurs on the scalp, but it can also target other body sites. Signs and symptoms may include round, patchy areas of nonscarring hair loss, ranging from mild to severe.

  • Mild: 1-5 scattered areas of hair loss on the scalp and beard
  • Moderate: More than 5 scattered areas of hair loss on the scalp and beard
  • Severe: loss of all the hair on the scalp and body

The affected areas of the scalp may have a burning sensation.

Hairs that do grow back may be either temporarily or permanently white. This color change is not seen in other forms of alopecia.

Pits and ridges in the fingernails can also occur.

Self-Care Guidelines

Psychological support may be beneficial.

Wigs may be worn to camouflage hair loss.

Treatments

Your medical professional may prescribe topical or oral medications as well as injections. Steroid injections may help speed up hair regrowth (including in children) with mild-to-moderate conditions:

  • A powerful topical steroid (eg, clobetasol propionate gel or solution) can be applied every 12 hours, with or without covering the area overnight. (Note: clobetasol lotion, shampoo, and spray are not recommended for use in individuals younger than age 18 years.)
  • Anthralin cream 1%, a topical medicine can stimulate the immune system to speed up healing. Apply this medication to the affected area and about 1 cm beyond the border for 10-20 minutes, and then wash it off with shampoo (ages 12 years and older).
  • For more extensive disease, your medical professional may expose the affected area to light or apply topical steroids plus minoxidil, each used every 12 hours. (Note: Wash your hands thoroughly after applying minoxidil. Residue left on the hands can be harmful if transferred to pets.)
  • Systemic steroids, such as prednisone, may be prescribed, although they have no long-term benefit and are not recommended for use beyond the short-term.
  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a newer class of medication that may be prescribed in severe cases that are not responding to other treatments (ages 12 years and older).

Visit Urgency

People experiencing areas of patchy hair loss are advised to seek evaluation from a primary care provider or dermatologist.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Disease Groups: Common Hair Problems

Last modified on November 14th, 2025 at 9:29 am

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