Alopecia Areata

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 12 min read
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Alopecia Areata
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Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects the hair follicles and causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. The term ‘alopecia’ means hair loss, while ‘areata’ refers to the patchy distribution of hair loss. This condition affects people of...

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বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

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Article Summary

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects the hair follicles and causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. The term ‘alopecia’ means hair loss, while ‘areata’ refers to the patchy distribution of hair loss. This condition affects people of all ages and genders, but it is most commonly diagnosed in individuals under the age of 30. The exact cause...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Causes in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Diagnosis in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Treatment in simple medical language.
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Definition

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects the hair follicles and causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. The term ‘alopecia’ means hair loss, while ‘areata’ refers to the patchy distribution of hair loss. This condition affects people of all ages and genders, but it is most commonly diagnosed in individuals under the age of 30. The exact cause of alopecia areata is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes on other parts of the body. It affects about 2% of the population worldwide, and can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 29. It is a chronic condition, which means that it can recur after periods of remission.

Causes

This autoimmune disorder affects both men and women and can occur at any age. While the exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, several factors have been identified that may contribute to its development.

  1. Genetics: Alopecia areata tends to run in families, which suggests that there is a genetic component to this condition. People who have a family history of alopecia areata are more likely to develop this condition themselves.
  2. Autoimmune disorders: Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. This attack causes hair follicles to become inflamed, leading to hair loss. Other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, thyroid disease, and type 1 insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes, have been linked to an increased risk of developing alopecia areata.
  3. Stress: Stress has been identified as a possible trigger for alopecia areata. People who experience high levels of stress are more likely to develop this condition than those who do not. This may be because stress disrupts the normal functioning of the immune system, leading to an attack on the hair follicles.
  4. Environmental triggers: Certain environmental triggers, such as exposure to toxins or chemicals, can increase the risk of developing alopecia areata. Exposure to certain medications, such as lithium and anticoagulants, can also increase the risk of this condition.
  5. Infections: Some studies have suggested that certain infections, such as viral infections, can trigger alopecia areata. The exact mechanism by which infections contribute to the development of this condition is not well understood.
  6. infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation: Inflammation has been identified as a possible cause of alopecia areata. This may be because the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing them to become inflamed and leading to hair loss.

Despite the numerous factors that have been linked to the development of alopecia areata, the exact cause of this condition is still not fully understood. This is partly due to the complexity of the immune system and the fact that multiple factors may be involved in its development.

Regardless of the cause, alopecia areata can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. In addition to the physical symptoms of hair loss, many people with this condition experience emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Alopecia areata can vary depending on the severity and extent of the hair loss, but the main signs include the following:

  1. Sudden hair loss: The most obvious sign of Alopecia areata is the sudden loss of hair, which often occurs in patches. The hair may fall out in clumps or break off at the roots, and the affected area may be smooth and round or irregular in shape.
  2. Bald patches: The hair loss in Alopecia areata usually occurs in patches that are 1 to 2 cm in diameter. The patches may be scattered all over the scalp or be limited to one area. In severe cases, the hair loss may affect the entire scalp, resulting in total baldness.
  3. Nail changes: Alopecia areata can also affect the nails, causing them to become ridged, brittle, or discolored. In some cases, the nails may have a white, powdery substance under the surface that is visible when the nail is lifted away from the skin.
  4. Scalp itching and burning: Some individuals with Alopecia areata may experience itching and burning on the scalp, especially in the affected areas. This can be a sign of the body’s immune response to the hair loss.
  5. Eyebrow and eyelash loss: In some cases, Alopecia areata may also affect the eyebrows and eyelashes, causing them to become sparse or fall out completely.
  6. Facial hair loss: In rare cases, Alopecia areata may affect facial hair, causing beard or mustache loss.
  7. Numbness and tingling: Some individuals with Alopecia areata may experience numbness and tingling in the affected areas, which can be a sign of nerve damage.
  8. Psychological impact: Alopecia areata can have a significant psychological impact, as hair loss can be a source of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Some individuals may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their appearance, which can affect their quality of life and interpersonal relationships.

It is important to note that Alopecia areata is not contagious, and it is not caused by poor hygiene or a lack of care for the hair and scalp. The exact cause of Alopecia areata is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata

The diagnosis of alopecia areata involves a physical examination of the affected area and a medical history review. The following are the key diagnostic tests and procedures used to diagnose alopecia areata:

  1. Clinical examination: The first step in diagnosing alopecia areata is a thorough clinical examination by a dermatologist. The dermatologist will examine the patient’s scalp, face, and other affected areas for signs of hair loss, including patches of hair loss or thinning, broken hair, and tiny white hairs called exclamation marks. The dermatologist may also perform a scalp biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin from the affected area for further examination under a microscope.
  2. Physical examination: The dermatologist will examine the affected area, looking for signs of hair loss, hair thinning, and patchy baldness. They will also examine the scalp for any signs of infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, scaling, or redness.
  3. Pull Test: The dermatologist may perform a pull test to assess the strength of the hair roots. This test involves gently pulling a small number of hairs to see if they come out easily. In patients with alopecia areata, the hairs come out easily, indicating weak hair roots.
  4. Biopsy: In some cases, the dermatologist may perform a scalp biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of alopecia areata. The biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin from the affected area and examining it under a microscope. This test can help to identify the presence of specific immune cells that are associated with alopecia areata.
  5. Trichoscopy: Trichoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses a special microscope to examine the hair and scalp. This test can help to identify specific features of alopecia areata, such as broken hairs, short hairs, and black dots.
  6. Blood tests: Blood tests are used to exclude other causes of hair loss, such as anemia, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders. A complete blood count (CBC) will be done to check for anemia, and a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test will be performed to rule out thyroid disease. An autoimmune panel may also be done to check for autoimmune disorders such as lupus and pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="rheumatoid arthritis" data-rx-definition="Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">rheumatoid arthritis.
  7. Scalp biopsy: A scalp biopsy is a diagnostic test that involves removing a small sample of skin from the affected area and examining it under a microscope. This test is used to confirm the diagnosis of alopecia areata and to exclude other conditions that can cause hair loss, such as fungal infections, ringworm, and scarring alopecia.
  8. Trichogram: A bronchogram is a diagnostic test that involves examining a sample of hair under a microscope. The trigram will show the number of hair follicles, the stage of hair growth, and the percentage of hair in the anagen (growing) phase. This test can help to determine the severity of the alopecia areata and to monitor its progression.
  9. Dermatoscopy: Dermatoscopy is a diagnostic test that involves examining the scalp with a special instrument that magnifies the hair follicles. This test can help to identify early signs of alopecia areata, such as miniaturization of the hair follicles and a reduction in the number of hair follicles.
  10. Nail changes: In some cases, alopecia areata can cause changes in the nails, such as pitting, ridging, or thickening. The dermatologist may examine the nails for these changes as part of the diagnostic evaluation.

Treatment

The medical treatment options for alopecia areata are aimed at promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss.

  • Topical Minoxidil – Topical minoxidil is a medication that is applied directly to the scalp to promote hair growth. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulating the growth of new hair. Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow to the scalp. This increased blood flow provides the hair follicles with the necessary nutrients and oxygen to grow hair. Minoxidil is available over the counter and can be used by both men and women. It is typically used twice daily and takes several months to see results.
  • Corticosteroids – Corticosteroids are a type of medication that is often used to treat autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. Corticosteroids can be applied topically to the scalp in the form of a cream, ointment, or lotion. They can also be injected into the scalp or taken orally. Topical corticosteroids are typically used for mild to moderate cases of alopecia areata, while oral or injected corticosteroids are used for more severe cases. Corticosteroids are effective in promoting hair growth in many people with alopecia areata, but they can also have side effects such as skin thinning and increased risk of infection.
  • Anthralin – Anthralin is a medication that is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and alopecia areata. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation. Anthralin is applied topically to the scalp and left on for a specific amount of time, usually 20 to 30 minutes. It is then washed off with soap and water. Anthralin can cause skin irritation, staining, and itching, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully. In some cases, anthralin can be effective in promoting hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
  • Dithranol – Dithranol is a medication that is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and alopecia areata. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation. Dithranol is applied topically to the scalp and left on for a specific amount of time, usually 20 to 30 minutes. It is then washed off with soap and water. Dithranol can cause skin irritation, staining, and itching, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully. In some cases, dithranol can be effective in promoting hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
  • Topical Tacrolimus – Topical tacrolimus is a medication that is used to treat autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. Tacrolimus is applied topically to the scalp in the form of a cream or ointment. It is effective in promoting hair growth in many people with alopecia areata, but it can also cause skin irritation and increased risk of infection.
  • Topical Tacrolimus: Tacrolimus is a topical medication that is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including Alopecia areata. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. Tacrolimus is applied directly to the scalp and is considered safe and effective for treating Alopecia areata.
  • Intralesional Injections: Intralesional injections are a type of treatment that involves injecting corticosteroids directly into the affected areas of the scalp. This method of treatment is often used for people with severe or widespread hair loss. Intralesional injections are considered safe and effective for treating Alopecia areata.
  • Light Therapy: Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a type of treatment that involves exposing the scalp to a specific type of light. This type of therapy is thought to stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation. Light therapy is considered safe and effective for treating Alopecia areata, but it must be performed by a professional in a controlled setting.
  • Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy: PUVA therapy is a type of light therapy that involves taking a medication called psoralen before exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. This type of therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including Alopecia areata. PUVA therapy is considered safe and effective for treating Alopecia areata, but it must be performed by a professional in a controlled setting.
  • Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants are a type of medication that is used to suppress the immune system. They are often used in combination with other treatments for Alopecia areata. Immunosuppressants are considered safe and effective for treating Alopecia areata, but they can have serious side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
  • Oral JAK Inhibitors – Oral JAK inhibitors are a newer

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What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
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Questions to ask

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Tests to discuss

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Avoid these mistakes

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Safe first steps

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OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
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Avoid these mistakes

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Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Alopecia Areata

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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    January 31, 2026 • Rx Dermatology, Skin Disease, and Allergy
  4. Clouston Syndrome

    DefinitionClouston syndrome is a rare condition that a person is born with. It mainly affects three things in the body: the hair, the nails, and the...

    January 31, 2026 • Rx Pregnancy, Baby & Mom Care
  5. Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMC)

    DefinitionChronic? mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is a rare immune system disorder where the body cannot properly fight Candida (yeast) infections on the skin, nails, and moist surfaces...

    January 25, 2026 • Rx Autoimmune, Genetic and Rare Diseases (A - Z)
  6. Regional Choroidal Atrophy and Alopecia

    DefinitionRegional choroidal atrophy? and alopecia (also called Moloney syndrome or choroidal atrophy?–alopecia syndrome) is a very rare inherited condition. In this condition, part of the choroid...

    January 15, 2026 • Rx Eye & Vision Care (A - Z)
  7. Moloney Syndrome

    DefinitionMoloney syndrome is a very rare genetic condition. It mainly affects the eyes (the choroid and retina), the hair, and the nails. It belongs to a...

    January 15, 2026 • Rx Autoimmune, Genetic and Rare Diseases (A - Z)
  8. Choroidal Atrophy–Alopecia Syndrome

    DefinitionChoroidal atrophy?–alopecia syndrome is an extremely rare genetic condition in which a person has both damage and thinning of the choroid in the eye and loss...

    January 14, 2026 • Rx Eye & Vision Care (A - Z)
  9. Happle Syndrome

    DefinitionHapple syndrome is another name for Conradi–Hünermann–Happle syndrome, also called X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata type 2 (CDPX2). It is a very rare genetic disease that affects...

    January 13, 2026 • Rx Autoimmune, Genetic and Rare Diseases (A - Z)
  10. Conradi-Hünermann-Happle Syndrome

    DefinitionConradi-Hünermann-Happle syndrome is a very rare genetic disease that mainly affects bones, skin, hair, and eyes. It is a type of bone growth problem called “chondrodysplasia...

    January 13, 2026 • Rx Autoimmune, Genetic and Rare Diseases (A - Z)