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Alopecia Areata

Autoimmune Non-Scarring Hair Loss

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Alopecia Areata?

Loss of immune privilege of the anagen hair bulb allows CD8+ T-cell attack.

IFN-γ and JAK/STAT signaling drive follicular damage.

Polygenic susceptibility with associations to thyroid disease, vitiligo, atopy.

Clinical forms: patchy, reticular, ophiasis, totalis, universalis.

Symptoms

Sharply demarcated, smooth, round patches of hair loss
Exclamation-mark hairs at patch periphery (active disease)
Nail pitting, trachyonychia, or ridging
Eyebrow, eyelash, or beard involvement
Nonscarring: follicular openings preserved
Emotional distress and social anxiety

Risk Factors

Family history of alopecia areata
Personal/family autoimmune disease (thyroid, vitiligo, lupus)
Atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis
Down syndrome
Psychological stress (trigger, not sole cause)
Young age at onset (worse prognosis)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New smooth, round patches of hair loss
  • Rapidly progressive or widespread loss
  • Eyebrow/eyelash loss or associated nail changes

Treatment Methods

01
Intralesional corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetonide) for limited adult disease
02
Topical high-potency corticosteroids and minoxidil adjunct
03
Topical immunotherapy (diphencyprone, SADBE) for extensive disease
04
Oral JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, ritlecitinib) for severe disease in adults (and selected adolescents)
05
Short-course systemic steroids for rapidly progressive disease (selected)
06
Psychological support, camouflage, and thyroid/autoimmune screening

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dermatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Related Health Topics

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Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease commonly seen especially in children, flaring with genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

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Acne

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Urticaria is a skin condition with sudden pink-red wheals and intense itching that may follow an acute or chronic course.

Skin Fungal Infections

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Skin fungal infections are common, contagious skin diseases caused by dermatophytes and yeast fungi colonizing the upper layers of the skin.

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

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Alopecia is a general term for hair loss that can be genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or nutritional; early intervention can slow progression.

Vitiligo

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Vitiligo is an acquired autoimmune disease in which CD8+ T cells destroy melanocytes, producing well-demarcated depigmented patches. Early, sustained treatment can induce repigmentation and prevent progression; psychosocial impact warrants holistic care.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.