ALOPECIA AREATA

Alopecia areata occurs in adults and in children and generally presents
as one or more round or oval bald patches on the scalp or beard area. The
hair is lost suddenly, the bald patch extends until it is usually some centimetres
in diameter, and as a rule after weeks to months new hairs
begin to grow within the lesion. The skin remains normal, showing hairfollicle
openings without scaling or atrophy. The re-growing hair may be
white in colour, giving the impression of "turning white overnight" when
a large area is affected.
In progressive cases new bald patches develop as others heal, or patches
do not heal for years. In alopecia areata totalis there is baldness of the
whole head; in alopecia areata universalis all body hair including scalp,
beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic and axillary hair falls out.
Management of alopecia areata
- Explain to the patient that the condition is not serious and that the hair is likely to
grow back after some time. This may take weeks or months and is different in each
individual.
- A topical irritant such as garlic may be tried.
- People with very extensive alopecia areata or alopecia which does not heal may be
referred to a skin specialist.