Living with alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an immune-related condition that can cause smooth patches without hair on the scalp, beard area, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body sites. Hair may regrow, remain sparse, or shed in new areas, so the pattern can change over time. The condition does not make a person contagious. Hair loss can affect confidence, work, school, sleep, and social comfort even when the skin feels normal.

Use the condition overview for background, and note changes in bald patches or broader hair loss so your clinician can assess the pattern.

Gentle hair care can reduce breakage: avoid tight styles, harsh chemicals, vigorous brushing, and unnecessary heat. Cover bare areas from strong sunlight and cold, and consider eyebrow or eyelash protection when those areas are affected. A dermatologist may discuss topical corticosteroids, steroid injection into the skin, oral corticosteroid treatment, or JAK inhibitor treatment. The choice depends on age, extent and location of loss, other health conditions, medicines, and whether new patches are appearing.

Photographs taken in similar lighting can help you and your clinician track change. Emotional support or counselling is reasonable when appearance-related distress is interfering with daily life.

Arrange a dermatology review if hair loss is spreading, recurring, affecting eyebrows or eyelashes, or accompanied by scalp inflammation, scaling, pain, or scarring. Seek prompt assessment for sudden extensive loss or symptoms involving vision or the eye surface. Get help for severe distress, withdrawal, or thoughts of self-harm; mental health support is part of appropriate care.

Ask which pattern of alopecia areata you have, what signs would suggest regrowth or progression, how long a treatment trial should be reviewed, and how to protect exposed scalp or eyelid skin. Ask about side effects, interactions, pregnancy considerations, and what to do if new patches appear.