what is alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss by attacking hair follicles. Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the scalp and beard area. The hair loss usually begins with a round or oval bald patch on the scalp or beard, which may be small and hidden or noticeable. The amount of hair loss varies from person to person, and hair can be lost in small, round patches about the size of a quarter or more extensively. Alopecia areata can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, though most cases develop before the age of 30. The course of the disease varies from person to person, with some having bouts of hair loss throughout their lives, while others only have one episode. Recovery is unpredictable too, with hair regrowing fully in some people but not others. There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments that help hair grow back more quickly.