Alopecia areata
Summary
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder which is characterized by hair loss. Alopecia areata is found equally in both men and women. The disease can occur at any age, including childhood.
The hair loss may result in round bald patches on the scalp (alopecia areata) or involve the loss of all facial and scalp hair (alopecia totalis). The loss of all body hair is called alopecia universalis. Alopecia postpartum is characterized by loss of significant hair following pregnancy and is usually temporary. When a patient is diagnosed with alopecia, the first question is usually about whether or not the hair will regrow. The answer is usually vague as each case is different. Regrowth of hair may occur in some patients; and in other, the hair loss is permanent.
(Autoimmune Association, 2023)
An unpredictable, transient, non-skin-scarring hair loss caused by destruction of hair follicles, which can eventually lead to the loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all body hair (alopecia universalis).
(Global Autoimmune Institute, 2023)
Symptoms
Hair loss in circular or patchy spots, itchy or painful scalp, and the formation of tiny dents on nails.
(Global Autoimmune Institute, 2023)
Diagnostic Criteria
Under Investigation
Diagnostic Tests
Under Investigation
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Associations
Under Investigation
Tissue-Type or Cell-Type Attacked
Under Investigation
Attacking Immune Cell Type or Process
Under Investigation
Treatment Modality
Under Investigation
Managing Specialist(s)
Under Investigation
Associated Infections
Under Investigation
Associated Toxins
Under Investigation
Research Authors
Under Investigation
Research Institutions
Under Investigation
Average Time from Symptom Onset to Diagnosis
Under Investigation
Last Updated
January 02, 2023
References
Alopecia areata. Autoimmune Association. (2023). Retrieved January 02, 2023 from https://autoimmune.org/disease-information/alopecia-areata/
Alopecia areata. Global Autoimmune Institute. (2023). Retrieved January 02, 2023 from https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/alopecia-areata/