Sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.
Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and may be brought on by severe stress.
The main symptom is hair loss.
Treatment may address any underlying conditions and includes topical scalp medication.
Alopecia areata- Most common
There are many types of hair loss. Alopecia areata is one of the more common types.
This type of hair loss usually begins in children and young adults, but it can start at any age. People of all skin tones and genders get alopecia areata.
The word “areata” means patchy. Because this disease often causes patchy hair loss, it’s usually called alopecia areata. “Alopecia” means hair loss.
Sometimes, you hear a different medical name for this type of hair loss. Here’s what these terms mean:
- Alopecia barbae: A person has patchy hair loss on their beard.
- Alopecia ophiasis: A person has a band or strip of hair loss on their scalp.
- Alopecia totalis: A person has lost all the hair on their scalp.
- Alopecia universalis: A person has lost all the hair on their scalp and everywhere else on their body. This is rare.
Does hair grow back?
Yes, hair can grow back. Some people who lose their hair, regrow it, and never have another episode. This is more common when someone has a few patches of hair loss.
More often, people lose their hair, only to see it regrow and fall out again. When hair falls out after regrowing, it’s called a relapse. Many people have a relapse within a year of regrowing their hair, and most relapses occur within 5 years. These episodes of hair loss and regrowth can occur throughout a person’s life.
How much hair regrowth a person has varies. Some people see full regrowth. However, many do not see the hair regrowth they expect.
When hair starts to regrow, it may come back white or blond and finer than before. This is usually temporary. With time and sometimes proper treatment, your natural hair color and texture often return.
