185 citations,
August 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews”
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.
18 citations,
January 2017 in “Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology”
Certain immune cells contribute to severe hair loss in chronic alopecia areata, with Th17 cells possibly having a bigger impact than cytotoxic T cells.
Hair loss theories discussed include poor blood flow, scalp tension, inflammation, and DHT. Treatments mentioned are massaging scalp, minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.