Alopecia Areata

An unpredictable, transient, non-skin-scarring hair loss caused by destruction of hair follicles, which can eventually lead to the loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all body hair (alopecia universalis).

Hair loss in circular or patchy spots, itchy or painful scalp, and the formation of tiny dents on nails.

Thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism), systemic lupus erythematosus, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, psychiatric conditions including depression and anxiety.

Onset typically occurs before the age of 20, although it can affect all ages. It has also been shown to affect males and females equally. Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, at least 20% have relatives with alopecia, which implies that there is a genetic predisposition.

• Risks of alopecia areata in long COVID: Binational population-based cohort studies from South Korea and Japan (2024)
• Psychological Stress-Induced Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata: Autoimmune and Apoptotic Pathways (2023)
• Comorbid Conditions Associated with Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2023)
• Lifestyle Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata (2022)
• Scalp hair regrowth is associated with improvements in health-related quality of life and psychological symptoms in patients with severe alopecia areata: results from two randomized controlled trials (2023)
• Ethnoracial disparities in alopecia areata clinical trials: a cross-sectional study with proposed recommendations. (2023)