Hair loss and the immune system: what should you know?

Alopecia Areata occurs when immune activity disrupts hair follicles and may produce smooth round or oval patches. It can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows, or other hair-bearing areas, and the course can vary. Immune involvement does not explain every episode of shedding: Telogen Effluvium can follow illness or major stress, while Male Pattern Hair Loss and Female Pattern Hair Loss follow inherited follicle sensitivity. Scalp Ringworm can cause scale and broken hairs, so an itchy, scaly scalp needs a different evaluation.

Note whether loss is patchy or diffuse, whether eyebrows or nails have changed, and whether you have a personal or family history of autoimmune disease. A clinician can inspect follicle openings, hairs, and scalp skin; tests are chosen according to the examination and wider symptoms. Protect exposed scalp from sun, avoid picking or harsh chemicals, and keep hairstyles loose while awaiting advice. Do not assume an immune diagnosis from hair loss alone.

Arrange review for expanding patches, eyebrow or eyelash loss, scalp pain, redness, crusting, significant scale, or hair loss that progresses quickly. Seek prompt medical attention if the change comes with facial swelling, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, or another acute symptom. A timely examination can separate autoimmune patch loss from infection, inflammation, or breakage.

Does the pattern resemble Alopecia Areata or another type of loss? Are my nails, eyebrows, or skin showing related signs? Which tests are appropriate for my symptoms? What treatments are available, and how will we monitor the response?