Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles — causing sudden circular bald patches.
Types:
- Patchy alopecia: One or more smooth circular patches — most common.
- Alopecia totalis: Complete scalp hair loss.
- Alopecia universalis: Complete body hair loss.
Causes and Triggers:
- Genetic predisposition + trigger (stress, infection, vitamin deficiency).
- Associated with other autoimmune diseases (thyroid, vitiligo).
- Vitamin D and zinc deficiency increase risk.
Treatment:
- Topical corticosteroids: Cream or patch injections — first line.
- Intralesional steroid injections: Very effective for small patches.
- Topical Minoxidil: Added to treatment to stimulate growth.
- Topical immunotherapy: For extensive cases.
- Deficiency correction: Vitamin D, zinc, iron — essential.
Prognosis:
50% improve within a year even without treatment — but treatment speeds recovery and prevents expansion.