Alopecia Areata: Autoimmune Hair Loss—Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Alopecia areata is autoimmune, non-contagious hair loss. Immune system attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation and shedding. Risk factors: genetics, young adulthood, female predominance.

Symptoms

• Patchy hair loss (scalp/body)
• Sudden or gradual onset
• Itchy/burning scalp
• Nail pitting, thinning

Treatments

• Topical/injected corticosteroids
• Oral immunosuppressants
• Immunotherapy (contact sensitization)

Goal: halt immune attack, promote regrowth. Support groups aid coping. Patience needed—regrowth takes months.