Alopecia Areata
Definition: A common autoimmune condition that is marked by abrupt, non-scarring hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body go (1)
Etiology: Many etiologies have been proposed but it is believed that the condition is caused by an autoimmune attack on the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In addition, environmental factors, genetic predisposition and stress may also play a role (1,2).
Epidemiology: Alopecia Areat (AA) affects 0.1-0.2% of the overall population with no gender predilection. (1,2).
Signs: AA is characterized by well-demarcated oval or round patches of hair loss, the lesions may be solitary or multiple with 90% of cases affecting the scalp (2).
Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic however some patients may experience nail changes, tingling or burning sensation, irritated eyes if loss of hair in eyelashes or eyebrows (3).
Differentials: Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania,Tinea capitis, Early scarring Alopecia, Anagen effluvium, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Secondary syphilis and androgenic Alopecia (1,2).
Diagnosis: The diagnosis is clinical with a thorough history and routine investigations such as complete hemogram, anemia panel, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, etc (2). Dermoscopic histological examination is a great tool in diagnosing AA and in more uncertain cases a biopsy may also be performed (1).
Treatment: In a majority of cases the condition is self-limited and regrowth typically will happen within a year (1). In patients where AA is persistent corticosteroids can be prescribed to stimulate hair growth follow by minoxidil to maintain the growth (3).
References: (AMA)
1. Khan Mohammad Beigi P. Alopecia areata. Published online 2018. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72134-7
- Amin SS, Sachdeva S. Alopecia areata: A Review. Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;17(2):37-45. doi:10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.05.004
- Ludmann P. Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. Accessed August 18, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatment.