ArcaMax

Alopecia has been in the news recently. But what does it mean to have alopecia? Alopecia is a catch-all term that encompasses all types of hair loss. Hair loss is a common problem for many men and women, and most people will experience some type of hair loss during their lifetimes.

Alopecia areata (AA) occurs when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. AA can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or anywhere hair grows on the body.

What causes alopecia areata?

The immune system protects the body against foreign invaders like bacteria or allergens. When the immune system isn’t working as it should, it can attack hair follicle cells, making them prematurely enter their "resting" phase (called telogen), stopping hair growth.

The exact trigger for this immune response is unknown, although environmental factors, genetics, and stress may all play a role.

AA affects patients of all ethnicities and genders. It is one of the most common hair loss disorders. Most people who develop AA are younger than 30, but AA can occur at any age.

What does alopecia areata look like?

AA usually starts as a sudden appearance of small, round patches of hair loss without redness or scarring. Rarely, this can progress to a complete absence of body and scalp hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes.

The diagnosis is often made through an examination by a doctor (usually a dermatologist), and may involve use of a dermoscope (skin surface microscope) to help. If it’s not clear that AA is the cause of hair loss, the doctor may take a scalp biopsy (removal of a small amount of skin) to help get a clearer diagnosis.

Nail changes are found in approximately 10% to 20% of patients, and may occur more commonly in children or those with severe cases.

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