Alopecia Areata: What You Need to Know

A common cause of patchy hair loss. Hair may grow back on its own, but no one can predict exactly what will happen.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is a condition that makes hair fall out. It often causes small, round bald patches. It happens when your immune system makes a mistake. Your immune system is supposed to fight germs. Instead, it attacks your hair follicles. Hair follicles are tiny pockets in your skin where hair grows.

This condition is not contagious. You did not catch it from anyone, and no one can catch it from you. You did not do anything to cause it. It does not mean you are unhealthy. Doctors do not fully understand why it happens. It is not your fault. Some people with alopecia areata also have other illnesses in which the immune system attacks the body by mistake.

What to expect

• You may have one patch or many. It most often affects the scalp. It can also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, a beard, or other body hair.

• Hair may grow back on its own. This can take several months. It is more likely when you have only a few small patches. But no one can promise that hair will grow back.

• Hair loss can change over time. Some people lose hair and regrow it again and again. Others lose more hair over time.

• Losing all your hair is less common. Only a small number of people lose all the hair on their scalp or body. Hair may be harder to regrow in these cases.

• Your feelings matter. Hair loss can be hard. It can make you feel sad, worried, or less confident. These feelings are normal, and help is available.

Treatment options

Not everyone needs treatment. You and your doctor can talk about your choices. Together you can decide what is best for you.

No treatment
You may choose to wait and see if your hair grows back. If you want to cover bald spots, you can use wigs, hairpieces, hats, or colored powder.

Steroid medicine
Steroids can calm your immune system and may help hair grow back.

• Cream or liquid: You put it on the bald spots as your doctor tells you.

• Shots: Your doctor may give a small shot into the bald skin. Your doctor may repeat the shots every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how your hair responds.

Pills for severe hair loss
If you lose a lot of hair, your doctor may talk to you about pills. These pills help some people grow hair back. They are not right for everyone. Your doctor may order blood tests before treatment and during treatment to check for side effects.

Talk to your doctor about the good points and the bad points of each choice.

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor if:

• Your hair loss is spreading fast.

• You notice new hair loss in your eyebrows or eyelashes.

• You are not sure what is causing your hair loss.

• Hair loss is making you feel very sad or worried.
  

Your feelings are important. Your doctor can discuss your choices and help you find support.

Take care of your skin and hair

• Protect bald spots from the sun. Wear a hat or use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

• Be gentle with your hair. Use a soft brush. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your hair.

• Get support if you need it. Talking to your doctor, a counselor, or other people with alopecia areata can help.

Important Note

This handout is for general education. It does not replace advice from your doctor.

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