Alopecia areata

• Alternative Names

  Alopecia totalis; Alopecia universalis

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. About a fifth of people with this condition have a family history of alopecia. Alopecia areata may sometimes occur with autoimmune diseases.

  Forms of alopecia include:

  • Alopecia totalis -- complete loss of scalp hair
  • Alopecia universalis -- total loss of all body hair
• Symptoms
  • Loss of all scalp and body hair (alopecia universalis)
  • Loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis)
  • Roundish patches of hair loss on the head
  • Smooth, hairless scalp in the affected areas

  Hairs that look like exclamation points are sometimes seen at the edges of a bald patch.

• Signs and tests

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

• Treatment

  No fully effective treatments are available. Typical therapy includes:

  • Steroid injection under the skin surface
  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Ultraviolet light therapy

  Irritating drugs may be applied to hairless areas to cause the hair to regrow.

• Expectations (prognosis)

  Full recovery of hair is common. However, some people may have a poorer outcome, including those with:

  • Alopecia areata at a young age
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  • Long-term alopecia
• Complications

  Permanent hair loss is a possible complication of alopecia areata.

• Calling your health care provider

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

Review Date: 10/3/2008

Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.