Alopecia Areata

Definition: An autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies against its own hair follicles. It is characterized by the often sudden appearance of smooth, classically circular patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. The course of the affliction is variable with frequent recovery of hair in whole or part in areas affected along with the variable development of other patches of loss within nearby or more distant areas. The diagnosis is frequently made clinically by history and physical examination which often yield hallmark findings. Prognostically, the earlier the onset and the more extensive the hair loss, the worse the prognosis. Given the unpredictability of the condition, hair transplantation is generally not indicated for this condition until or unless the condition stabilizes without recurrances over a period of years.