Treatment:

If hair loss is not widespread, the hair will likely regrow in a few months, whether or not treatment is used.

Even for more severe hair loss, it is not clear whether treatments will change the course of the condition.

Typical therapy may include:

• Steroid injection under the skin surface
• Topical corticosteroids
• Topical immunotherapy
• Topical minoxidil
• Ultraviolet light therapy
• Use of wigs

Irritating drugs may be applied to hairless areas to cause the hair to regrow.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery of hair is common.

However, some people may have a poorer outcome, including those with:

• Alopecia areata at a young age
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Long-term alopecia
• More widespread or complete loss of scalp or body hair

Complications:

Permanent hair loss is a possible complication of alopecia areata.

Calling your health care provider:

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