Alopecia Areata: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Summary 

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, often in small, round patches on the scalp. It can affect other areas of the body and may develop at any age. Understanding its symptoms, possible triggers, and treatment options can help you know when to seek professional advice.

Introduction

Noticing a sudden bald patch can be worrying, especially when you haven't changed your hair-care routine or experienced obvious hair damage.

One possible cause is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that affects hair follicles. Unlike some forms of hair loss that develop gradually, it can cause noticeable patches of hair loss over a relatively short period.

Although the condition can be unpredictable, a healthcare practitioner can help assess the hair loss, explain possible next steps, and discuss appropriate care.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. It commonly causes round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp, although eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, and other body hair may also be affected.

The condition does not usually destroy the hair follicles, meaning hair can regrow. However, regrowth varies, and hair loss may return.

What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?

Common signs include:

• Round or oval bald patches: Hair loss often appears in one or more smooth patches.
• Sudden shedding: Patches may develop quickly, sometimes over days or weeks.
• Changes to nails: Some people notice small dents, ridges, or other nail changes.
• Eyebrow or eyelash loss: The condition can affect hair beyond the scalp.
• Changes in hair growth: Short, broken hairs may appear around the edges of affected areas.

Alopecia areata typically does not cause scarring. However, sudden hair loss can have other causes, so an assessment is important before drawing conclusions.

What causes alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. The exact reason this happens is not fully understood.

Genetics may contribute to susceptibility, and some people with alopecia areata have a personal or family history of autoimmune conditions. However, having a family history does not mean someone will necessarily develop it.

Stress is sometimes reported around the time hair loss begins, but it is not possible to assume that stress caused an individual case.

Alopecia areata is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene or simply failing to care for your hair properly.

What are the treatment options for alopecia areata?

Treatment depends on factors such as the extent of hair loss, the areas affected, your age, and your medical history. Some people experience regrowth without treatment, while others may need specialist care.

Options may include:

• Observation and monitoring: For limited hair loss, a practitioner may discuss monitoring because regrowth can occur naturally.
• Medical treatments: Depending on the severity and circumstances, a practitioner may discuss treatments intended to manage the immune response affecting hair follicles.
• Specialist care: More extensive or persistent hair loss may warrant assessment by a dermatologist, who can explain available options, potential side effects, and realistic expectations.

There is no single treatment that works for everyone, and regrowth is not guaranteed. A practitioner can help determine which options may be suitable for your situation.

When should you seek medical advice?

Consider seeking professional advice if you notice:

• Sudden bald patches or rapidly increasing hair loss.
• Hair loss involving your eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas.
• Changes to your nails alongside hair loss.
• Hair loss that continues to spread or repeatedly returns.
• Scalp discomfort, inflammation, or other unusual symptoms.

A practitioner can examine the affected areas, review your medical history, and determine whether further testing or specialist assessment is appropriate.

Exploring hair loss care through Pocketpills

If you're concerned about hair loss, an assessment can help clarify the next steps.

Pocketpills offers an online hair loss treatment service for eligible Canadians. You can explore the hair loss treatment service to learn about its assessment process.

A licensed Canadian practitioner can review the information you provide and determine whether further assessment or treatment may be appropriate. If a prescription is clinically appropriate and you meet the service's eligibility requirements, it may be prescribed and dispensed through Pocketpills’ pharmacy. 

Frequently asked questions

Can alopecia areata be cured?

There is no guaranteed cure. Hair may regrow, sometimes without treatment, but the condition can be unpredictable and hair loss may recur.

Does alopecia areata cause permanent hair loss?

Hair follicles are not usually destroyed, so regrowth is possible. However, outcomes vary, and some people experience persistent or recurring hair loss.

Is alopecia areata contagious?

No. It is an autoimmune condition and cannot be spread from person to person.

Can stress cause alopecia areata?

Stress may be reported around the time symptoms appear, but the exact causes are not fully understood. Stress alone should not be assumed to explain the condition.

The bottom line

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause sudden patches of hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. Hair may regrow, but the course of the condition varies from person to person.

If you notice unexplained bald patches or ongoing hair loss, seek professional advice to understand the possible cause and discuss appropriate care.

Sources

• University of Calgary: Telogen Effluvium — included as a Canadian clinical resource on a different type of hair loss; not a direct source for alopecia areata.
• HealthLink BC: Hair Loss