Alopecia areata is a condition that causes round patches of hair loss, and can lead to total hair loss.

Alopecia totalis; Alopecia universalis

The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. About a fifth of people with this condition have a family history of alopecia.

Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.

Alopecia areata is seen in men, women, and children. A major life event such as an illness, pregnancy, or trauma occurs before the hair loss in some, but not most patients

Forms of alopecia include:

• Alopecia areata -- patches of hair loss, usually on the scalp, but they also can be in the beard or other areas
• Alopecia totalis -- complete loss of scalp hair
• Alopecia universalis -- total loss of all body hair

See also:

• Female pattern baldness
• Hair loss
• Male pattern baldness

Images

Alopecia, under treatment

Alopecia areata with pustules

Alopecia totalis - back view of the head

Alopecia totalis - front view of the head

Next Section

Alopecia areata Symptoms

Review Date: 10/14/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)