Highlights & Basics
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that targets the hair follicle.
- It is characterized by sudden onset of patchy hair loss.
- The diagnosis is clinical. Characteristic physical findings are exclamation point hairs (short, broken hairs tapering proximally at the scalp) and a positive pull test. A scalp biopsy shows perifollicular inflammation.
- Topical or intralesional corticosteroids are appropriate for patients with limited hair loss. Skin atrophy can be a temporary side effect.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Olsen EA, Hordinsky MK, Price VH, et al. Alopecia areata investigational assessment guidelines: part II. National Alopecia Areata Foundation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51:440-447.[Abstract]
Hordinsky MK. Medical treatment of noncicatricial alopecia. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2006;25:51-55. [Abstract]
Messenger AG, McKillop J, Farrant P, et al. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of alopecia areata 2012. Br J Dermatol. 2012;166:916-926.[Abstract]
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