Understanding Alopecia Areata starts here
What is Alopecia Areata?
The word “Alopecia” means hair loss. The word "Areata" means "patchy" or "in areas". Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that results in patchy hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It can range from small, individual smooth patches of hair loss to the total loss of all hair on the body—including ear and nose hair. Alopecia Areata is not uncommon; current estimates suggest that 2% of the population will be affected by the condition at some point in their lifetime. It can affect people of all ages, genders and ethnicities, but most commonly presents during childhood.
There are three main types of Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Areata, which means one or more patches of hair loss on the scalp. Alopecia Areata Totalis refers to total loss of hair on the head. Alopecia Areata Universalis means complete hair loss of the entire body.
There are three main types of Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Areata, which means one or more patches of hair loss on the scalp. Alopecia Areata Totalis refers to total loss of hair on the head. Alopecia Areata Universalis means complete hair loss of the entire body.
In all forms of Alopecia Areata, the hair follicles remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal. In all cases, hair regrowth may occur even without treatment and even after many years. It is not currently known exactly what causes Alopecia Areata. It is believed to be a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There is currently no cure, however AAAF is on a mission to do all we can to work towards a cure.
Alopecia Areata… It’s life changing.
There is currently no cure, however AAAF is on a mission to do all we can to work towards a cure.
Alopecia Areata… It’s life changing.
Types of 'Alopecia Areata'
Alopecia Areata Monolocularis
Hair loss in only one spot. It may occur anywhere on the head.
Alopecia Areata Multilocularis
Hair loss to multiple areas of the head.
Alopecia Areata Totalis
The total loss of all the hair on the scalp.
Alopecia Areata Universalis
Full body hair, including pubic hair, limb and facial hair.
Alopecia Areata Ophiasis
Hair loss that runs from ear to ear at the back of the scalp.
Perinaevoid Alopecia Areata
Characterised by pigmented nevi, these are spots of skin with colour different from surrounding skin – usually moles.
Triangular Alopecia Areata
A rare form of Alopecia Areata where the hair loss lesion presents in a triangular shape.
Alopecia Areata Barbae
Hair loss limited only to the beard.
Signs
Hair loss has many causes, and not all hair loss is Alopecia Areata. If you're noticing changes, the most important step is to see a healthcare professional. A GP can give you an accurate diagnosis and help you understand what you're dealing with. Avoid relying on search results alone.
However, as a guide, beyond typical patch baldness, individuals with alopecia areata may experience several other clinical symptoms:
However, as a guide, beyond typical patch baldness, individuals with alopecia areata may experience several other clinical symptoms:
Up to 14% of patients report burning or itching in areas of active hair loss, while others experience tingling, itching, or burning sensations just before the hair falls out.
Discoloration is common, with gray or white hairs often remaining in spots where darker hair has shed. Additionally, "exclamation point" hairs may appear; these are fragile, newly regrowing hairs that break off after only a few millimeters.
Hair loss patterns can fluctuate with the seasons, often worsening during colder winter months and improving during warmer weather.
Roughly 30% of all patients experience nail changes, which can cause pain. These include stippling or pitting (fine, dented rows on the fingernails) and trachyonychia (rough, longitudinal ridges running down the nail).
Diagnosing alopecia areata relies heavily on your hair loss history and current symptoms. While hair loss is the primary indicator, its appearance varies significantly depending on the specific type of the condition.
+ Localised Patches: Smooth, round, or oval areas of hair loss on the scalp, beard, or other hair-bearing parts of the body.
+ Simultaneous Cycles: Hair shedding in one area of the body occurring at the exact same time as new hair regrowth in another.
+ Rapid Progression: Sudden and extensive hair shedding that develops over a very short timeframe.
+ Asymmetrical Pattern: Hair loss that is concentrated predominantly on one side of the scalp rather than spreading evenly across both sides.
+ Localised Patches: Smooth, round, or oval areas of hair loss on the scalp, beard, or other hair-bearing parts of the body.
+ Simultaneous Cycles: Hair shedding in one area of the body occurring at the exact same time as new hair regrowth in another.
+ Rapid Progression: Sudden and extensive hair shedding that develops over a very short timeframe.
+ Asymmetrical Pattern: Hair loss that is concentrated predominantly on one side of the scalp rather than spreading evenly across both sides.
How can we support you?
Newly Diagnosed
I’ve been diagnosed
Find the right support, learn from other members of the community who have been where you are now. Here you will find:
+ Connections to the right practitioners,
+ Information on options open to you,
+ AAAF’s support programs,
+ Community Support Networks
+ Connections to the right practitioners,
+ Information on options open to you,
+ AAAF’s support programs,
+ Community Support Networks
Resources for Parents and Support People
My child has been diagnosed
Parenting a child with Alopecia Areata presents its own set of challenges. Think of these as a collection of resources that have helped many families in the last few decades in the same position as you.
+ Resources to help you navigate this along with your child,
+ Information on options open to you,
+ AAAF’s support programs,
+ Resources to help you navigate this along with your child,
+ Information on options open to you,
+ AAAF’s support programs,
Resources for Youth
I’m a Youth living with Alopecia Areata
Hitting youth on its own is a wild ride, let alone navigating it with the added challenges Alopecia Areata creates:
+ Resources onnavigating job interviews, dating, school, and the social stuff nobody talks about,
+ Wig and brow tutorials,
+ AAAF’s support programs for you,
+ Community Support Networks,
+ Resources onnavigating job interviews, dating, school, and the social stuff nobody talks about,
+ Wig and brow tutorials,
+ AAAF’s support programs for you,
+ Community Support Networks,
Peer and Mental Health Support Resources
I’m looking for Peer & Mental Health Support
Alopecia Areata… it’s life changing, but you are never alone. Here we’ve curated a collection of resources to make the more difficult days easier and have them occur less often. Many of our community members learn to love their Alopecia Areata. On this page find:
+ Mind body Mindfulness Practices,
+ Tips and advice for the bad days,
+ Community Support Networks,
+ Mental health support networks,
+ Mind body Mindfulness Practices,
+ Tips and advice for the bad days,
+ Community Support Networks,
+ Mental health support networks,
Get Involved
I’d like to get involved
Join our mission to support, educate, and advocate for the Alopecia Areata community. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact. Here you’ll find:
+ How to individually volunteer or become a corporate sponsor,
+ How to fundraise,
+ How to get involved in donating hair,
+ How to individually volunteer or become a corporate sponsor,
+ How to fundraise,
+ How to get involved in donating hair,
Donate
Make a Donation
Everything AAAF does is community funded. No government support, no corporate backing. If this community has helped you, or you want to help others find it, your donation goes directly to the work that matters: support, education, and research.
