Alopecia Areata Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Struggling with sudden hair loss? Learn what causes Alopecia Areata, how to spot the symptoms early, and explore proven treatments that help patients regain confidence.

What Happens with Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss, often beginning on the scalp.

The condition often begins with small, smooth bald patches that may gradually widen over time. It can also affect the nails, causing them to appear pitted, ridged, or brittle.

Alopecia Areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, interrupting hair growth. Most people experience only a few bald spots, but in more severe cases, the hair loss may be more extensive and affect other parts of the body.

Although not physically painful, Alopecia Areata can be distressing and emotionally challenging, but it’s important to know that recovery is possible.

Recovery Stories

Leah’s Alopecia Areata Recovery – Before and After

These before-and-after images show Leah’s Alopecia Areata recovery over the course of six months (from August 2025), from the beginning to healthy regrowth and recovery. Read Leah’s full story.

Giovanni’s Hair Loss Transformation

Giovanni, aged 70, successfully recovered from Alopecia Areata under our care. Read his story.

Rachel’s Hair Loss Transformation

See how we helped Rachel overcome severe alopecia and restore her confidence. Read her story.

What Are the Symptoms of Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata typically starts with one or more small, round patches of sudden hair loss, most often on the scalp or beard. The skin where hair falls out is usually smooth and not inflamed. While the condition varies from person to person, here are the most common symptoms:

Early Signs

• Sudden appearance of round bald patches
• Scalp, beard, and eyebrows are the most commonly affected
• Nail changes like pitting, ridging, or brittleness (in some cases)

Progression (for some people)

• Bald patches may widen or multiply over time
• Rarely, eyebrows and eyelashes may also fall out
• In some cases, it may lead to:
  • Alopecia Totalis: Complete loss of scalp hair
  • Alopecia Universalis: Total loss of body hair

What’s Happening in the Body

• Believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks its own hair follicles
• T cells cluster around follicles, leading to hair loss without damaging the skin
• The exact trigger is unclear, but stress, genetics, and other autoimmune conditions may play a role

Other Key Facts

• Affects men, women, and children, often begins in childhood
• Not contagious and does not cause physical pain
• Can affect anyone, but tends to be more common in those with a family history of autoimmune diseases
• Hereditary links have been found, including genes on chromosome 8p21–22

What Triggers Alopecia Areata?

The exact cause of Alopecia Areata isn’t fully understood, but several potential triggers are believed to play a role, especially those involving stress or immune system disruption.

Commonly Reported Triggers

• Sudden or prolonged emotional stress
• Physical trauma or injury
• Surgery or illness
• Bereavement or major life changes
• Family history of autoimmune disorders (e.g., thyroid issues, eczema, asthma)

What’s Happening in the Body?

Alopecia Areata is widely considered an autoimmune condition. For reasons not yet fully clear, the body begins attacking its own hair follicles.

This immune response may be influenced by:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Genetic predisposition
• Psychosomatic factors (emotional stress affecting the body)

Alopecia Areata FAQ

Our Alopecia Areata Treatments

The Hair Loss Centre’s trichologically formulated treatments and lotions reduce the immune response. It is best to treat the condition as soon as it is diagnosed. Let us help you. Book a free video consultation.