Alopecia areata
Also known as Circumscribed alopecia, Alopecia Circumscripta, patchy loss of hair
condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body
Key facts
- Other names
- Alopecia Celsi, vitiligo capitis, Jonston's alopecia
- Pronunciation
- / ˌ æ l ə ˈ p iː ʃ ( i ) ə ˌ æ r i ˈ ɑː t ə / , also / ˌ æ l oʊ -, - s i ə -, - ˈ eɪ t ə /
- Specialty
- Dermatology Immunology
- Symptoms
- Areas of hair loss , usually on the scalp
- Usual onset
- Childhood
- Causes
- Autoimmune
- Risk factors
- Family history, female sex , rheumatoid arthritis , type 1 diabetes , celiac disease
- Differential diagnosis
- Trichotillomania , alopecia mucinosa , postpartum alopecia
- Treatment
- Sunscreen , head coverings to protect from sun and cold
- Medication
- topical minoxidil and triamcinolone injections
- Prognosis
- Does not affect life expectancy