Alopecia areata

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Alopecia, under treatment

Alopecia areata with pustules

Alopecia totalis - back view of the head

Alopecia totalis - front view of the head

Alopecia totalis; Alopecia universalis

The primary symptom of alopecia areata is roundish patches of hair loss on the head, with smooth, hairless scalp in the affected areas. Alopecia totalis involves the complete loss of all scalp hair, and alopecia universalis is characterized by the complete loss of all scalp and body hair.

Hairs that look like exclamation points are sometime seen at the edges of a bald patch.

On occasion, a scalp biopsy may be performed.

Review Date: 10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.