What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s defense system mistakenly targets hair roots, resulting in hair loss. The most frequent sign is hair loss in patches, often beginning as one or more small, circular or oval bald spots on the scalp. However, it can also impact hair on the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body.

Common Symptoms of Alopecia Areata

Sudden hair loss: Hair can fall out rapidly, with noticeable loss occurring over a few days to a few weeks.

Random hair loss and regrowth: It’s possible for hair to regrow in one area as new bald spots appear in different locations.

Short-term hair loss: Occasionally, hair loss can be more widespread in a short timeframe.

“Exclamation point” hairs: You might see short hairs around the edges of bald spots that are thinner near the scalp and wider at the end, sometimes called “exclamation point” hairs.

Nail changes: Nail changes can occur in some individuals, including the development of pits, ridges, white marks, or fragile nails.

Itching, tingling, burning: Certain people experience sensations like itching, tingling, or burning in the area of the scalp or body before hair falls out.

Gray or White Hairs: Occasionally, when hair grows back in bald spots, it might initially appear white or gray in color.

The amount and pattern of hair loss differ significantly from person to person with Alopecia Areata. It can range from just a few small bald spots to the complete loss of all hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or even the entire body (alopecia universalis).