Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss) : Learning Center on Healthline.com

Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss) Learning Center

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Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)

Alopecia areata is a condition that causes round patches of hair loss.The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. About a fifth of people with this condition have a family history of alopecia.

Basic Info

Symptoms

Loss of all scalp and body hair (alopecia universalis)Loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis)Roundish patches of ha...

Causes

The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. About a fifth of people with this condition have a family history of alopecia.

Tests

On occasion, a scalp biopsy may be performed. Several blood tests may be done, because alopecia areata may occur with...

Treatments

No fully effective treatments are available. Typical therapy includes:Steroid injection under the skin surfaceTopica...

Available Treatments

Drugs

Supplements

Alternative Therapies

Risk Factors

Family History of Alopecia
Genetic Predisposition to Disease

Complications

Permanent hair loss is a possible complication of alopecia areata.

Prevention

No known prevention

Doctor Specialties

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are concerned about hair loss.

Basic Info

Multimedia

Images

Alopecia, under treatment

Alopecia areata with pustules

Alopecia totalis - front view of t...

Articles

Alopecia areata

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Alopecia Areata

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