TLDR Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can lead to complete baldness, often associated with other autoimmune conditions, and half of the cases may see hair return within a year.
Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring form of hair loss with a 2% lifetime risk, primarily affecting individuals under 30 years old. It manifests in several forms and can progress to complete scalp or body hair loss. The disorder is often linked with other autoimmune conditions such as atopy, thyroid disease, and vitiligo. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, with dermoscopy and biopsy used for confirmation. Spontaneous hair regrowth occurs in up to 50% of cases within a year, but the prognosis is less favorable for those with early onset, long duration, extensive hair loss, nail changes, atopy, or other autoimmune diseases. No standard lab tests are required except when thyroid disease is suspected. The document emphasizes the importance of personal and family history in AA and the impact of the condition on quality of life.
64 citations,
November 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” A new type of rapid hair loss called ADTA usually gets better on its own within 6 months.
196 citations,
June 2008 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Dermoscopy helps diagnose and manage alopecia areata by showing specific hair changes.
304 citations,
July 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Videodermoscopy improves diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders and may reduce scalp biopsies.
59 citations,
January 2002 in “Dermatology” A new type of sudden, complete female hair loss was found, with most patients fully recovering within 6 months without needing steroid treatment.
6 citations,
March 2019 in “JAAD case reports” A new mix of anthralin and calcipotriene might help treat severe hair loss.
148 citations,
December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
4 citations,
November 2018 in “JAAD case reports” Alopecia areata can sometimes appear as a straight line of hair loss instead of round patches.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
