Patchy alopecia areata
One or a few smooth, round patches on the scalp or in the beard, appearing over a few weeks. The commonest presentation, and the one most likely to regrow.
Alopecia areata treatment in Chennai
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition: the immune system mistakes the hair follicle for a threat and attacks it, so hair falls out in smooth, round patches over a few weeks. The skin underneath looks normal — no scaling, no scarring. The follicle is switched off rather than destroyed, which is why hair can return, sometimes without any treatment.
Which type do you have?
Identifying the type matters, because each is treated differently.
Ophiasis pattern
A band of loss along the sides and lower back of the scalp. It tends to be more stubborn than scattered patches and usually needs specialist input.
Extensive disease
Loss of all scalp hair, or of scalp and body hair together. Less common, less predictable, and managed medically rather than cosmetically.
Eyebrows, lashes and beard
The same condition at other hair-bearing sites, sometimes with no scalp involvement at all. Pitting or ridging of the nails can appear alongside it.
What causes it
- An autoimmune response in which the immune system attacks the hair follicle — the underlying mechanism
- A family tendency, which is present in a proportion of cases
- Other autoimmune conditions, particularly thyroid disease and vitiligo
- Physical or emotional stress, which often precedes a flare although it is not what creates the condition
- Not hair oil, shampoo, hard water, diet or hygiene — none of these causes it, and people carry a great deal of unnecessary guilt about that
What actually helps
Get the diagnosis right
Smooth patches with normal skin underneath point to alopecia areata, and dermoscopy usually confirms it. It has to be separated from fungal infection, hair pulling, traction and the scarring alopecias — those are treated completely differently, and some of them cause loss that will not come back.
Watching a single small patch is a real plan
Limited patchy disease frequently regrows on its own over months with no treatment. If a doctor suggests waiting and reviewing on photographs, that is a considered decision rather than the absence of one.
Medical treatment for wider or persistent patches
Treatment is directed at the immune response — most often a corticosteroid injected into the patch itself, or prescribed topical treatment — and it is reviewed on photographs at intervals. Extensive or rapidly spreading disease is referred on rather than treated indefinitely here.
What this is not, and when to be seen quickly
PRP, GFC, mesotherapy and laser caps are marketed for thinning hair. Alopecia areata is an immune condition and none of them is its treatment. Come in promptly if patches are spreading, if eyebrows or lashes are involved, if the nails are pitting, or if it is a child.
Treatments we use for this
Common questions
Will hair grow back after alopecia areata?
Often, yes — the follicle is switched off rather than destroyed, and limited patchy disease commonly regrows within months, sometimes without treatment. Regrowth can come in white at first and gain colour later. Extensive or long-standing disease is much less predictable, and it can recur even after full regrowth.
Is alopecia areata permanent?
Not usually, but it is unpredictable. Most people have episodes that settle and may return, and because the condition does not scar, the follicles stay capable of producing hair. Nobody can tell you in advance which course yours will take.
Is alopecia areata caused by stress?
Stress often precedes a flare, but the condition itself is autoimmune and stress alone does not create it. It is worth managing because it may influence flares. It is not worth blaming yourself for.
Do I need blood tests for alopecia areata?
Usually a small set: thyroid function, plus screening for other autoimmune conditions where the history suggests it, with iron and vitamin D as part of a general work-up. The diagnosis itself is made on examination, not on blood.
This page is educational and does not replace an in-person consultation. Medical disclaimer · How we write our content
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