General
Information
DEFINITION--Sudden hair loss in circular patches on the scalp. Hair loss is not
accompanied by other visible evidence of scalp disease. This is not contagious.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Hair; scalp; eyebrows; eyelashes; beard; genital area;
underarm (sometimes).
SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Affects all ages and males more frequently than
females.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Sudden hair loss in sharply defined circular patches. In rare cases, body hair loss may
be total.
- No pain.
- No itch.
CAUSES
- Usually unknown, but heredity and emotional factors, such as anxiety, may contribute to
hair loss. The autoimmune system may also be involved.
- May be caused by thyroiditis or pernicious anemia.
RISK INCREASES WITH
- Stress.
- Family history of alopecia areata.
HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.
What To Expect
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--
- Your own observation of symptoms.
- Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
- Self-care after diagnosis.
- Doctor's treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Loss of all hair.
- Slow or incomplete regrowth.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable, with spontaneous new growth, in 18 months to
3 years. Persons with a few small patches are generally cured completely. The disorder
recurs in 25% of cases.
How To Treat
GENERAL MEASURES--
- Consider wearing a hairpiece or wig during the acute phase.
- Continue to bathe and shampoo as usual.
- Don't tug on normal hair close to areas of hair loss.
- See Resources for Additional Information.
MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:
- Topical steroids. Apply topical steroid once or twice a day unless directed otherwise.
Apply immediately after bathing or shampooing for better spreading and penetration. For
scalp and groin, use only low-potency steroid products without fluorine.
- Injections of steroids into affected areas and oral cortisone drugs for you to take on
alternate days.
- Photochemotherapy with PUVA (See Glossary).
- A topical drug, minoxidil (a prescription drug used for hair growth), may help some
patients.
ACTIVITY--No restrictions.
DIET--No special diet.
Call Your Doctor If
- You have symptoms of alopecia areata.
- The following occurs during treatment: Hair loss increases. Hair loss doesn't diminish
in 4 weeks. Areas show signs of infection (redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth) after
injections.
