Sudden Patchy Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune cells attack hair follicles, producing smooth, round bald patches that appear over days to weeks.
Is this me?
- One or more smooth, round bald patches that appeared quickly
- The skin inside the patch looks normal, not scaly or scarred
- Short broken hairs at the edge, narrower at the base
- Patches in the beard, eyebrows or eyelashes
- Pitting or ridging of the fingernails
- A personal or family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions
Why it happens
In alopecia areata the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicle. The follicle is not destroyed — it is switched off — which is why regrowth is possible, often spontaneously. The pattern is quite different from ordinary hair fall: instead of diffuse thinning, you get discrete smooth patches with a normal-looking scalp inside them.
This is the one condition on this site where we do not offer a self-service package. Alopecia areata needs examination and, in many cases, prescription treatment such as topical or injected steroids that only a doctor can give. Minoxidil and microneedling are not the treatment for it, and using them instead of seeing a doctor wastes the window in which treatment works best. If your patches are spreading, or there is nail change, or eyebrow or eyelash involvement, get it looked at soon.
What to do next
There is no self-service package for this condition. It needs to be examined, and the treatment that works is prescription-only.
When to consult first
Sudden or patchy hair loss · scalp pain, sores, redness or oozing · scarring of the scalp · pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding · under 18 · a heart or blood-pressure condition or medicines for it · hair loss getting rapidly worse.
Common questions
Will it grow back on its own?
Single small patches often regrow spontaneously within months. Widespread or repeated episodes are less predictable and need medical treatment.
Can I use minoxidil for it?
Minoxidil is not the treatment for alopecia areata. Using it instead of seeing a doctor delays effective care.
Is it caused by stress?
Stress may trigger an episode in someone predisposed, but the underlying mechanism is autoimmune.
Is it contagious?
No. It cannot be passed to anyone.
Educational information only. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified medical professional. Results vary by cause, duration, adherence and individual response. Prescription medicines are dispensed only after the doctor approves.