Alopecia areata

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Alopecia areata with pustules Alopecia totalis - back view of the head Alopecia totalis - front view of the head Alopecia, under treatment

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Alopecia areata

No fully effective treatments are available. Typical therapy includes:

• Topical corticosteroids (medium to very high potency)
• Subcutaneous (under the skin surface) steroid injection
• Ultraviolet light therapy

Irritating agents may be applied to hairless areas to promote regrowth

Full recovery of hair is common. However, alopecia areata occurring at a young age, prolonged alopecia, or the presence of eczema (atopic dermatitis) often predicts a poorer outcome.

Permanent hair loss is a possible complication of alopecia areata.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are concerned about hair loss.

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