Alopecia Areata - Medtick

Alopecia Areata

What is it?

Hair falls out in small patches normally a size of a coin and this is because our immune system believes there is a threat causing an inflammatory immune response causing our hair growth cycle to enter quickly into the late catagen phase (hair mature state) or telogen (resting state – preparing hair to shed phase) rather than staying in the anagen phase (growth phase).

  • Alopecia areata often develops suddenly, over the course of just a few days.
  • People with alopecia areata who have only a few patches of hair loss often experience a spontaneous, full recovery, without the need for treatment.
  • There is no cure for alopecia areata.

Medical News Today 

Alopecia areata appears as patchy areas of non-scarring hair loss and may be considered:

  • Mild – 1–5 scattered areas of hair loss on scalp (and beard of adults)
  • Moderate – More than 5 scattered areas of hair loss on the scalp (and beard of adults)
  • Severe – Loss of all of the hair on the scalp and body

  • Scalp burning, without redness, may also occur.
  • Hairs that grow back often have less color (hypopigmented or white) either temporarily or permanently.
  • This hypopigmentation is not seen in other forms of alopecia.
  • Pits and ridges in the fingernails can also occur.

Skinsight 

  • It normally occurs between the ages of 5- 30 years old.

Cause

Syndromes

Symptoms

  • One develops patches of hair loss anywhere on the body normally the size of a coin, including the head, beard, eyebrows and eyelashes?
  • Hair usually grows back on its own (spontaneously), and then the hair loss often happens again?
  • Hair loss may be patchy or more widespread?
  • Hair loss may be seasonal?

Nail changes:

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:


This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Alopecia Areata in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies