Alopecia areata

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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

No fully effective treatments are available. Typical therapy includes:

• Topical corticosteroids (medium to very high potency)
• Subcutaneous (under the skin surface) steroid injection
• Ultraviolet light therapy

Irritating agents may be applied to hairless areas to promote regrowth

Full recovery of hair is common. However, alopecia areata occurring at a young age, prolonged alopecia, or the presence of eczema (atopic dermatitis) often predicts a poorer outcome.

Permanent hair loss is a possible complication of alopecia areata.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are concerned about hair loss.

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.