Alopecia areata

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Alopecia, under treatment

Alopecia areata with pustules

Alopecia totalis - back view of the head

Alopecia totalis - front view of the head

Alopecia totalis; Alopecia universalis

If hair loss is not widespread, the hair will likely regrow in a few months, whether or not treatment is used.

Even for more severe hair loss, it is not clear whether treatments will change the course of the condition.

Typical therapy may include:

• Steroid injection under the skin surface
• Topical corticosteroids
• Topical immunotherapy
• Topical minoxidil
• Ultraviolet light therapy
• Use of wigs

Irritating drugs may be applied to hairless areas to cause the hair to regrow.

Full recovery of hair is common.

However, some people may have a poorer outcome, including those with:

• Alopecia areata at a young age
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Long-term alopecia
• More widespread or complete loss of scalp or body hair

Permanent hair loss is a possible complication of alopecia areata.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are concerned about hair loss.

Review Date: 10/14/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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