Alopecia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect the scalp, face, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or other parts of the body. Depending on the cause, hair loss may be temporary or permanent, gradual or sudden, diffuse or limited to specific areas.

Alopecia is not one single condition. It includes inherited pattern hair loss, autoimmune alopecia areata, traction alopecia, stress-related shedding, scarring diseases, hormonal hair loss, and several other disorders.

The correct treatment depends on identifying the exact type. A product designed for genetic pattern thinning will not necessarily help autoimmune hair loss, iron-related shedding, traction damage, or a scarring condition.

This guide explains the main types of alopecia, their symptoms, how specialists diagnose them, which treatments may help, and when hair loss requires urgent medical assessment.

Key Takeaways

  • Alopecia means hair loss. It describes a group of conditions rather than one disease.
  • The pattern matters. Receding hairlines, widening parts, round bald patches, diffuse shedding, and scar-like areas can indicate different conditions.
  • Some forms are non-scarring. The follicles remain present and may be capable of producing hair again.
  • Scarring alopecia can permanently destroy follicles. Early dermatology treatment is important when pain, burning, inflammation, or smooth scar-like areas appear.
  • Alopecia areata is autoimmune. It commonly causes round or oval patches and may also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, or body hair.
  • Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form. It causes gradual male or female pattern thinning in genetically sensitive follicles.
  • Treatment must match the diagnosis. Minoxidil, corticosteroids, JAK inhibitors, anti-androgen treatment, nutritional correction, and scalp care serve different purposes.
  • Sudden, painful, inflamed, or rapidly progressing loss needs professional assessment.

Not Sure Which Type of Alopecia You Have?

A trichologist can assess the visible pattern, scalp condition, shedding history, hair shafts, routines, and likely contributing factors.

However, diagnosis of autoimmune disease, infection, scarring alopecia, or conditions requiring prescription medicine, laboratory testing, or biopsy should involve an appropriately qualified medical professional.

Find a Trichologist Near You

Quick Next Steps

  • Photograph the pattern: Capture the hairline, part, crown, temples, sides, and any bald patches in consistent lighting.
  • Separate shedding from breakage: Hair falling from the root is different from strands snapping along their length.
  • Record the timeline: Note when the change started and whether it was sudden or gradual.
  • Review possible triggers: Illness, childbirth, surgery, weight loss, medication, stress, tight hairstyles, and nutrition can all matter.
  • Check for scalp symptoms: Pain, burning, redness, pustules, thick scale, or smooth scar-like areas need medical attention.
  • Avoid starting several treatments together: Introduce one focused strategy at a time so results and side effects can be assessed.

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia is the absence or loss of hair from an area where hair would normally grow.

Hair loss may affect:

  • The entire scalp.
  • The frontal hairline or temples.
  • The crown or part line.
  • Small round or oval patches.
  • The eyebrows or eyelashes.
  • The beard.
  • Other body areas.

Some forms of alopecia develop because the normal hair-growth cycle has been disrupted. Others occur because of genetic follicle sensitivity, immune activity, inflammation, infection, physical tension, nutritional deficiency, medication, hormonal changes, or direct damage to the follicle.

Learn how normal follicle activity works in the complete guide to the hair-growth cycle.

What Are the Main Types of Alopecia?

The main forms can be grouped into non-scarring alopecia and scarring alopecia.

Non-Scarring Alopecia

In non-scarring alopecia, the follicular openings generally remain visible. The follicles have not been permanently replaced by scar tissue, although prolonged miniaturisation or disease may still reduce the chance of complete recovery.

Common non-scarring conditions include:

  • Androgenetic alopecia.
  • Alopecia areata.
  • Telogen effluvium.
  • Traction alopecia in its earlier stages.
  • Anagen effluvium.
  • Some nutritional or medication-related forms of shedding.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia, also called cicatricial alopecia, involves inflammation that damages and replaces follicles with scar tissue.

Once a follicle has been destroyed, it cannot produce normal hair again. Treatment therefore focuses on stopping inflammation and preserving the follicles that remain.

Read the full guide to scarring alopecia, diagnosis, and treatment.

Alopecia Types Compared

Type Typical Pattern Main Mechanism Scarring? Usual Next Step
Androgenetic alopecia Receding hairline, crown thinning, or widening part Genetic sensitivity to androgens such as DHT No Pattern assessment and evidence-based growth treatment
Alopecia areata Round or oval smooth patches; sometimes widespread loss Autoimmune attack around the follicles No Dermatology assessment and severity-based treatment
Telogen effluvium Diffuse shedding across the scalp More follicles enter the resting and shedding phase No Identify and correct the trigger
Traction alopecia Loss around stressed hairlines or areas under repeated tension Mechanical pulling and follicular damage Can become scarring Remove tension early and assess inflammation
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia Spreads outward from the central crown Inflammatory follicular destruction Yes Prompt dermatology treatment
Frontal fibrosing alopecia Receding frontal hairline, often with eyebrow loss Inflammatory scarring disease Yes Prompt dermatology assessment
Anagen effluvium Rapid loss during the active growth phase Disruption of actively dividing follicle cells Usually no Medical review of the cause or treatment exposure

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of progressive hair loss. It is also called male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss.

The condition develops when genetically sensitive follicles gradually miniaturise under the influence of androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.

Common Signs in Men

  • Receding temples.
  • A changing frontal hairline.
  • Crown thinning.
  • Reduced density across the top of the scalp.
  • Finer and shorter hairs in affected areas.

Common Signs in Women

  • A widening central part.
  • Diffuse thinning over the crown.
  • Reduced ponytail thickness.
  • More visible scalp in bright light.
  • Gradual reduction in density after menopause.

Explore the complete guide to androgenetic alopecia and treatment options.

Readers can also learn about DHT and follicle miniaturisation.

Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia

Depending on the individual, treatment may include:

  • Topical minoxidil.
  • Oral minoxidil under medical supervision.
  • Finasteride for suitable men.
  • Dutasteride in selected cases and jurisdictions.
  • Selected anti-androgen treatment for women.
  • Low-level light therapy.
  • Microneedling.
  • Platelet-rich plasma.
  • Hair transplantation.
  • Correction of overlapping nutritional or scalp problems.

Natural and cosmetic products may provide supportive care. However, they should not be presented as equal to established medical treatment.

Review the evidence for DHT-blocking ingredients and DHT-focused hair serums.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly targets structures around the hair follicle, interrupting normal hair production.

It usually causes sudden, smooth, round, or oval bald patches. However, the condition can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or any body area where hair grows.

Types of Alopecia Areata

  • Patchy alopecia areata: One or more separate bald patches.
  • Alopecia totalis: Complete or near-complete loss of scalp hair.
  • Alopecia universalis: Extensive loss of scalp, facial, and body hair.
  • Ophiasis pattern: A band-like area of loss around the sides and back of the scalp.
  • Diffuse alopecia areata: Widespread thinning that can resemble telogen effluvium.

Read more about the different types of alopecia areata.

Other Signs of Alopecia Areata

Some people also develop:

  • Short tapered or exclamation-mark hairs.
  • Yellow dots or broken hairs seen through magnification.
  • Eyebrow or eyelash loss.
  • Beard patches.
  • Tiny dents or pits in the nails.
  • Ridged, rough, thin, or brittle nails.

How Is Alopecia Areata Diagnosed?

A dermatologist can often recognise alopecia areata by examining the hair-loss pattern, scalp, hairs around the patches, and nails.

The assessment may include:

  • A detailed medical and family history.
  • Examination of the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and nails.
  • Dermatoscopy or trichoscopy.
  • A gentle hair-pull test.
  • Blood tests when another condition is suspected.
  • A scalp biopsy when the diagnosis remains uncertain.

Blood tests do not diagnose every case of alopecia areata. They may be used selectively to investigate thyroid disease, nutritional deficiency, autoimmune conditions, or another possible explanation.

Alopecia Areata Treatment

There is no single treatment that works for everyone. The plan depends on age, severity, duration, affected areas, previous response, associated conditions, and the impact on quality of life.

Some people with one or two recent patches experience spontaneous regrowth. Others develop recurrent or extensive disease and require long-term medical management.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids reduce local immune activity and inflammation.

They may be delivered as:

  • Injections into individual patches.
  • Topical solutions, lotions, creams, or foams.
  • Short courses of oral medication in selected cases.

Intralesional corticosteroid injections are commonly considered for limited patchy alopecia areata in adults. Treatment decisions for children require careful age-appropriate medical assessment.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil may support regrowth or help maintain hair that has returned. However, it does not directly stop the autoimmune process.

It is often used as an additional treatment rather than the only treatment for active alopecia areata.

Anthralin

Anthralin is a topical medicine that intentionally creates a controlled local reaction. It may be considered in selected cases under dermatology guidance.

It can irritate the skin and stain the skin, hair, clothing, or surfaces.

Contact Immunotherapy

Contact immunotherapy uses a chemical sensitiser applied to the affected scalp under specialist supervision.

The treatment creates a controlled allergic reaction intended to redirect immune activity around the follicles. It generally requires regular clinic visits over several months.

Possible effects include redness, itching, blistering, swollen lymph nodes, pigment changes, and widespread eczema-like reactions.

JAK Inhibitors

Janus kinase, or JAK, inhibitors target immune signalling involved in alopecia areata.

FDA-approved oral options for severe alopecia areata include:

  • Baricitinib: Approved for adults with severe alopecia areata.
  • Ritlecitinib: Approved for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with severe alopecia areata.
  • Deuruxolitinib: Approved for adults with severe alopecia areata.

These are prescription medicines with important warnings and monitoring requirements. Risks may include serious infection, blood clots, cardiovascular events, laboratory abnormalities, malignancy concerns, and other adverse effects.

The suitability of a JAK inhibitor depends on age, medical history, vaccination status, infection risk, pregnancy considerations, other medicines, and the severity of hair loss.

Read the detailed guide to JAK inhibitors for hair and skin conditions.

Other Systemic Treatments

Dermatologists may consider other immune-modifying medicines when approved treatments are unsuitable or unavailable.

Examples include:

  • Oral corticosteroids.
  • Methotrexate.
  • Cyclosporine.
  • Azathioprine.
  • Other specialist immunomodulatory treatment.

These medicines require medical supervision because they can cause systemic side effects and need appropriate monitoring.

Alopecia Areata in Children

Children with alopecia areata need age-appropriate assessment and support.

Treatment depends on:

  • The child’s age.
  • The amount and location of hair loss.
  • How quickly it is progressing.
  • How long it has been present.
  • Nail involvement.
  • Previous treatment response.
  • The emotional and social impact.

Options may include topical corticosteroids, selected intralesional treatment in older children, minoxidil as supportive therapy, contact immunotherapy, or approved systemic treatment for severe disease.

Parents should not apply adult hair-loss medicines or potent essential oils without professional advice.

Eyebrow and Eyelash Loss

Alopecia areata can affect eyebrows and eyelashes as well as scalp hair.

Medical options may include:

  • Local corticosteroid treatment.
  • Selected topical medicines.
  • Systemic treatment for extensive alopecia areata.
  • Bimatoprost or a related prescription product in selected eyelash cases.

Cosmetic options include:

  • Eyebrow pencils, powders, or fibres.
  • Artificial eyebrows.
  • Artificial eyelashes.
  • Eyeglasses that help protect the eyes when eyelashes are absent.
  • Microblading by a suitably trained practitioner.

Microblading carries risks including infection, allergic reaction, pigment migration, unwanted shape, colour changes, and scarring. Discuss it with a dermatologist when the skin is sensitive or the disease remains active.

Nail Changes in Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata may cause:

  • Small nail pits.
  • Rough or sandpaper-like nails.
  • Ridges.
  • Thinning.
  • Brittleness.
  • Splitting or crumbling.

Nail changes may improve when the disease becomes less active. Persistent or painful nail changes should be shown to a dermatologist because fungal infection, psoriasis, trauma, and other conditions can look similar.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium causes increased diffuse shedding when more follicles than usual enter the resting phase.

The trigger often occurs several weeks or months before shedding becomes noticeable.

Possible triggers include:

  • High fever or severe illness.
  • Surgery.
  • Childbirth.
  • Rapid weight loss.
  • Severe stress.
  • Low iron or ferritin.
  • Thyroid disease.
  • Medication changes.
  • Low protein or calorie intake.

Telogen effluvium usually does not create smooth isolated bald patches. Instead, shedding occurs across much of the scalp.

Read the complete guide to telogen effluvium.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia results from repeated pulling or tension on the follicles.

Possible causes include:

  • Tight braids or cornrows.
  • Tight ponytails or buns.
  • Heavy extensions.
  • Tight wigs or hairpieces.
  • Repeated use of clips or fasteners in the same area.
  • Religious, occupational, or cultural headwear that creates repeated tension.

Early traction alopecia may improve when tension is removed. Long-standing traction can cause inflammation, scarring, and permanent follicular loss.

Learn how to reduce the risk in the guide to preventing traction alopecia.

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, or CCCA, is a scarring condition that commonly begins near the centre of the crown and gradually spreads outward.

Possible signs include:

  • Central crown thinning.
  • Hair breakage around the affected area.
  • Itching, burning, tenderness, or pain.
  • Reduced follicular openings.
  • A smooth or shiny appearance as the condition progresses.

Early dermatology assessment is important because treatment may slow inflammation and preserve remaining follicles.

Read the full guide to central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring condition that often causes gradual recession of the frontal and temporal hairline.

Eyebrow loss may appear before or alongside scalp hair loss.

Other possible signs include:

  • Itching or burning.
  • Redness or scale around follicles.
  • Small facial bumps.
  • Loss of body hair.
  • Smooth skin where follicles have been destroyed.

Read the detailed guide to frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Lichen Planopilaris

Lichen planopilaris is an inflammatory scarring alopecia that may cause irregular patches of permanent hair loss.

Common symptoms include itching, burning, tenderness, redness, and scale around affected follicles.

Medical treatment should begin before extensive scarring develops.

Learn more about lichen planopilaris.

Anagen Effluvium

Anagen effluvium occurs when actively growing hairs are disrupted during the anagen phase.

It is commonly associated with chemotherapy, although toxins, radiation, and certain illnesses may also cause it.

Hair loss can develop rapidly because a large percentage of scalp follicles are normally in active growth.

Regrowth often begins after the trigger ends, but the timeline and texture of new hair can vary.

Read about hair regrowth after chemotherapy.

Hair Breakage Is Not Always Alopecia

Hair may appear thin because strands are breaking rather than because follicles have stopped producing hair.

Common causes of breakage include:

  • Bleaching.
  • Relaxers.
  • Permanent colouring.
  • Excessive heat.
  • Rough detangling.
  • Friction.
  • Tight hairstyles.
  • Weathering and dryness.

Broken hair may show uneven lengths, split ends, white nodes, or short snapped strands without a corresponding increase in hairs shedding from the root.

Read the guides to hair loss versus breakage and damaged hair treatment.

How Do Specialists Diagnose Alopecia?

Diagnosis begins with the pattern, timeline, symptoms, medical history, medication, family history, diet, styling practices, and previous treatment.

An assessment may include:

  • Visual scalp and hair examination.
  • Hair-pull testing.
  • Examination of shed hairs.
  • Trichoscopy or dermatoscopy.
  • Standardised photography.
  • Blood tests based on the history.
  • Fungal or bacterial testing.
  • A scalp biopsy.

Blood Tests

Depending on the case, a medical professional may consider:

  • Full blood count.
  • Ferritin and iron studies.
  • Thyroid markers.
  • Vitamin D.
  • Vitamin B12 or folate.
  • Zinc in selected cases.
  • Hormone testing when symptoms suggest an endocrine disorder.
  • Autoimmune testing when clinically justified.

Hair loss alone does not justify every available blood test. Testing should match the pattern, symptoms, history, and examination.

Scalp Biopsy

A dermatologist may perform a scalp biopsy when scarring alopecia, inflammatory disease, or an uncertain diagnosis is suspected.

Biopsy can help identify inflammation, follicular miniaturisation, scar tissue, and the structures being targeted by disease.

How Is Alopecia Treated?

There is no universal alopecia treatment because the underlying conditions differ.

Treatment May Be Used For Important Point
Minoxidil Pattern hair loss and selected supportive use Supports follicular activity but does not treat every underlying cause
Finasteride or dutasteride Androgenetic alopecia in suitable patients Requires individual medical risk assessment
Corticosteroids Alopecia areata and inflammatory alopecias Route and strength depend on diagnosis and severity
JAK inhibitors Severe alopecia areata Prescription treatment with important warnings and monitoring
Anti-inflammatory or immune-modifying medicine Scarring and autoimmune alopecias Treatment aims to stop disease activity and preserve follicles
Nutritional correction Documented deficiency or inadequate intake Supplements should target a confirmed or likely need
Change in styling practices Traction alopecia and breakage Early removal of tension may prevent permanent damage
Hair transplantation Stable pattern loss and selected stable scarring cases Active inflammatory disease must be controlled first

Can Alopecia Hair Grow Back?

Regrowth depends on the type of alopecia and whether the follicles remain capable of producing hair.

  • Alopecia areata: Spontaneous or treatment-assisted regrowth is possible, but recurrence can occur.
  • Telogen effluvium: Hair commonly recovers after the trigger is corrected, although improvement takes time.
  • Androgenetic alopecia: Treatment may preserve hair and improve some miniaturised follicles, especially when started early.
  • Early traction alopecia: Removing tension may allow recovery.
  • Scarring alopecia: Destroyed follicles generally cannot regrow hair, so early treatment focuses on preventing further loss.

No treatment can guarantee complete regrowth.

How Long Does Alopecia Treatment Take?

Hair changes slowly. A few days or weeks are usually too early to judge changes in density.

First Three Months

Early treatment is often assessed for tolerance, inflammation, scalp symptoms, or reduced shedding rather than major visible regrowth.

Three to Six Months

Some responsive follicles may begin producing visible new hairs. Standardised photographs are more reliable than daily mirror checks.

Six to Twelve Months

A clearer assessment of stabilisation, regrowth, or treatment failure may become possible.

Long-Term Maintenance

Several forms of alopecia are chronic or recurrent. Continued treatment may be required to maintain results or suppress disease activity.

When Alopecia Needs Urgent Medical Attention

Arrange prompt dermatology or medical evaluation for:

  • Sudden round or irregular bald patches.
  • Rapidly progressing hair loss.
  • Scalp pain, burning, or intense tenderness.
  • Pustules, drainage, bleeding, or open sores.
  • Thick scale or severe inflammation.
  • Smooth or shiny areas with missing follicular openings.
  • Rapid frontal hairline recession.
  • Eyebrow or eyelash loss.
  • Hair loss with fever, fatigue, weight changes, menstrual disruption, or other systemic symptoms.
  • Hair loss in a child.

Painful, Inflamed, or Scar-Like Hair Loss?

Do not rely only on supplements, oils, shampoos, or cosmetic serums. Scarring and inflammatory alopecias can permanently damage follicles.

A dermatologist may need to examine the scalp, perform trichoscopy, order testing, or take a biopsy.

Cosmetic and Emotional Support

Alopecia can affect confidence, identity, relationships, work, school, and quality of life. Cosmetic support is a legitimate part of care and does not mean that a person has stopped pursuing treatment.

Scalp Hair Options

  • Hair fibres or coloured scalp powders.
  • Volumising sprays or styling products.
  • Wigs.
  • Hairpieces.
  • Custom scalp prostheses.
  • Scarves, hats, and other head coverings.
  • Scalp micropigmentation in suitable stable cases.
  • Shaving the remaining hair for a more uniform appearance.

Eyebrow and Eyelash Options

  • Eyebrow makeup.
  • Temporary eyebrow transfers.
  • Artificial eyebrows.
  • Artificial eyelashes.
  • Microblading after appropriate safety review.
  • Eyeglasses for eye protection when eyelashes are absent.

Psychological support, alopecia support groups, counselling, and patient organisations may also help people manage the emotional burden of visible hair loss.

Still Unsure Which Alopecia Treatment Fits Your Pattern?

Begin with the diagnosis rather than the product. A trichology assessment can help organise the pattern, possible triggers, scalp condition, and next step.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Alopecia

What does alopecia mean?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It includes many conditions that can cause temporary or permanent loss from the scalp, face, or body.

What is the most common type of alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common progressive type. It is also known as male or female pattern hair loss.

Is alopecia areata the same as alopecia?

No. Alopecia is the general term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is one specific autoimmune form that commonly causes smooth, round, or oval bald patches.

Is alopecia contagious?

Most forms of alopecia are not contagious. However, fungal scalp infections can spread between people and may produce patchy hair loss that resembles alopecia.

Is alopecia hereditary?

Some forms have a strong genetic component. Androgenetic alopecia commonly runs in families. Genetics can also influence susceptibility to alopecia areata and some scarring conditions.

Can stress cause alopecia?

Physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium in some people. Stress may also coincide with autoimmune disease activity, although it is not the only cause of alopecia areata.

Can alopecia grow back?

Regrowth depends on the type. Non-scarring conditions may improve when follicles remain active. Hair cannot normally regrow from follicles that have been permanently destroyed by scarring.

Can alopecia be cured permanently?

There is no single permanent cure for every type. Some temporary forms resolve after the trigger ends. Chronic genetic, autoimmune, or inflammatory conditions may require ongoing management.

How is alopecia diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve history, scalp examination, trichoscopy, a hair-pull test, blood tests, infection testing, or scalp biopsy.

Which blood tests are used for hair loss?

Testing depends on the symptoms and history. A clinician may consider a full blood count, ferritin, iron studies, thyroid markers, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, or selected hormone and autoimmune tests.

What is the best treatment for alopecia?

The best treatment depends on the diagnosis. Minoxidil may help pattern loss, corticosteroids and JAK inhibitors may be used for alopecia areata, and anti-inflammatory medicines may be required for scarring alopecia.

Does minoxidil treat every type of alopecia?

No. Minoxidil supports follicular activity but does not correct every cause. It does not stop autoimmune or scarring disease by itself.

Are JAK inhibitors approved for alopecia areata?

Yes. FDA-approved oral JAK inhibitors for severe alopecia areata include baricitinib for adults, ritlecitinib for adults and adolescents aged 12 or older, and deuruxolitinib for adults.

Can children develop alopecia?

Yes. Children can develop alopecia areata, traction alopecia, fungal infection, telogen effluvium, inherited disorders, and other forms of loss. Hair loss in a child should receive professional assessment.

When should I see a dermatologist?

See a dermatologist promptly for sudden patches, rapid progression, pain, burning, severe redness, pustules, thick scale, eyebrow loss, or smooth scar-like areas.

When should I see a trichologist?

A trichologist may help with gradual thinning, diffuse shedding, breakage, scalp discomfort, routine review, treatment monitoring, and identifying when medical referral is needed.

Conclusion: Understanding Alopecia and Choosing the Right Treatment

Alopecia describes many different forms of hair loss. These conditions do not share one cause, one pattern, or one treatment.

Androgenetic alopecia causes gradual pattern thinning. Alopecia areata is autoimmune and often creates smooth patches. Telogen effluvium causes diffuse shedding. Traction alopecia results from repeated tension. Scarring alopecias involve inflammation that can permanently destroy follicles.

The most useful first step is identifying the pattern and checking whether the follicles remain healthy. Treatment should then target the diagnosis rather than relying on random supplements, oils, shampoos, or serums.

Early action is especially important when hair loss is painful, inflamed, rapidly progressing, or scar-like.

Next step: Explore the relevant condition guide above or find a trichologist near you for a structured hair and scalp assessment.

References and Further Reading

  1. American Academy of Dermatology: Hair-Loss Resource Center
  2. American Academy of Dermatology: Alopecia Areata Overview
  3. American Academy of Dermatology: Alopecia Areata Diagnosis and Treatment
  4. NIAMS: Alopecia Areata Overview
  5. NIAMS: Alopecia Areata Diagnosis and Treatment
  6. British Association of Dermatologists Guideline for Alopecia Areata
  7. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Alopecia Areata 2024
  8. European Expert Consensus on Systemic Alopecia Areata Treatment
  9. Review of Approved JAK Inhibitors for Alopecia Areata
  10. Deuruxolitinib Phase 3 Trial for Alopecia Areata
  11. Pratt CH, King LE Jr, Messenger AG, Christiano AM, Sundberg JP. Alopecia areata. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2017;3:17011.
  12. Barton VR, Toussi A, Awasthi S, Kiuru M. Treatment of paediatric alopecia areata: A systematic review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2022;86(6):1318–1334.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or a personalised treatment recommendation. Alopecia may result from autoimmune disease, infection, inflammation, medication, hormonal conditions, nutritional deficiency, genetic sensitivity, physical tension, or other causes. Prescription medicines, including corticosteroids, anti-androgens, immunosuppressants, and JAK inhibitors, can cause serious side effects and require medical supervision. Seek prompt medical evaluation for sudden, painful, inflamed, infected, scar-like, patchy, or rapidly progressing hair loss.