22-Year-Old Male with Several Discrete Patches of Hair Loss

Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated, non-scarring hair loss condition with a lifetime incidence of 1.7%. It can present at any age and manifests as localized patches or total body hair loss. The etiology is multifactorial, involving autoimmune, environmental, and genetic factors. Diagnosis is clinical, often supported by histological and dermatoscopic findings. Treatment includes patient education, intralesional and topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, methotrexate, and topical immunotherapy. Emerging therapies like statins, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, Janus kinase inhibitors, and platelet-rich plasma show promise. The prognosis depends on the extent of scalp involvement at diagnosis.