Alopecia Areata
Many people who develop alopecia areata are generally healthy. They may lose their hair, beard, body hair, and sometimes have nail changes.
What is alopecia areata?
Skin immune cells attack hair follicles in alopecia areata and that cause hair loss.
Is alopecia areata contagious?
Alopecia areata is not a contagious disease. Many people who develop alopecia areata are generally healthy. Hair, beard and body hair may fall out and sometimes nail changes can be observed.
In alopecia areata , hair can regrow without treatment. This happens more often when someone has only a few small effected areas. When the hair grows back , it may or may not fall out again.
If alopecia areata affects the nails, you may see cavities, ridges or brittle nails. Some people develop red nails.
When does alopecia areata usually start?
It can start at any age; however, most people develop it during childhood or teenage years. About half will see their hair regrow within 12 months without treatment.
When the hair grows back, it may never fall out again. Also, It is also possible to have unpredictable cycles of hair loss and regrowth over many years.
If a parent has alopecia areata, will the child also have it?
If a parent or close relative has alopecia areata, the child has a higher risk of developing this disease. Although the risk is greater , not all children with this increased risk develop alopecia areata.
