PG
1
1
Mild severity
· Dermatology
Alopecia Areata
Patchy hair loss · Auto-immune
Immune cells attack hair follicles, leaving smooth coin-sized bald patches. Most regrow within a year; some progress to total scalp or body loss.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- About 2% lifetime risk
- Typical age
- Any age, often under 30
- Outlook
- Often regrows
- System
- Skin
Reviewed by a verified Dermatology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Auto-immune mechanism
- Family history
- Stress as trigger
- Thyroid, vitiligo association
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Smooth round bald patches
- "Exclamation mark" hairs at edge
- Eyebrow or beard loss
- Nail pitting in some
- Sudden total loss (alopecia totalis)
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Topical or intralesional steroids
- Minoxidil 5%
- JAK inhibitors (baricitinib) for extensive
- Contact immunotherapy
- Cosmetic camouflage / wigs
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Manage stress and sleep
- Check thyroid antibodies
- Vitamin D and iron levels
- Mental health support
Do’s
- Treat early for better regrowth
- Combine treatments under dermatologist
- Use gentle hair products
- Join a support group
Don’ts
- Try harsh home remedies
- Sun-burn the bald patch
- Stop treatment when first hair appears
- Hide it alone — talk to someone
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all dermatology doctors Top 4 doctors for Alopecia Areata
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
VM
2
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KR
3
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KN
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.