Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease and every person living with it has a unique story. Learn more about the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of living with alopecia areata.
REAL-LIFE REFLECTIONS
Watch as patients reflect on their experiences with alopecia areata and courageously share their stories.
“There’s a whole community of alopecia areata warriors that will have your back.”
Supriya
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks hair follicles at the root and causes hair to fall out. Normally, hair is protected from immune system attacks. But in alopecia areata, this protection is lost.
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Alopecia Areata by the Numbers
You’re not alone. Many people around the world are living with the challenges of alopecia areata.
2
percent of people worldwide will experience alopecia in their lifetime i
6.6
million people in the US may be diagnosed with alopecia areata in their lifetimesi, iv
80
percent of alopecia areata cases typically appear by age 40 i
Some Different Patterns of Alopecia Areata
Patchy
alopecia areata
The most common form, with small, round bald spots on the scalp. i, ii
alopecia
Totalis (AT)
Total hair loss on the whole scalp. i, ii
alopecia
Universalis (AU)
Total hair loss on the whole body. i, ii
Can you tell the difference between myth and fact when it comes to
alopecia areata?
Take this simple quiz to test your knowledge of alopecia areata.
“
Alopecia areata is just a cosmetic condition.
Correct. Alopecia areata is more than just hair loss. It’s an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles at the root and causes hair to fall out. Eye irritation, frequent runny nose, and sensitivity to sunburn also may result from alopecia areata. i,ii,iii
Incorrect. Alopecia areata is more than just hair loss. It’s an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles at the root and causes hair to fall out. Eye irritation, frequent runny nose, and sensitivity to sunburn also may result from alopecia areata. i,ii,iii
“
Hair loss caused by alopecia areata is unpredictable.
Incorrect. This is a fact. In alopecia areata hair loss is unpredictable. At any time, hair loss or hair regrowth may start or stop. i
Correct. In alopecia areata, hair loss is unpredictable. At any time, hair loss or hair regrowth may start or stop. i
“
Alopecia areata only affects hair on the scalp.
Correct. While alopecia areata most commonly affects the hair on the scalp, it can also affect hair on other parts of the body, including leg hair, arm hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, nose hair, and facial hair. i, ii
Incorrect. This is a myth. Alopecia areata most commonly affects the hair on the scalp, but it can also affect hair on other parts of the body, including leg hair, arm hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, nose hair and facial hair. i, ii
“
All types of hair loss are the same.
Correct. Alopecia is a general term for “hair loss,” but there are many different types. v Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease driven by an inflammatory attack on the hair follicle. i There are many other causes as well, including androgenic alopecia, which is pattern baldness most commonly occurring in males. i
Incorrect. Alopecia is a general term for “hair loss,” but there are many different types. v Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease driven by an inflammatory attack on the hair follicle. i There are many other causes as well, including androgenic alopecia, which is pattern baldness most commonly occurring in males. i
“
Living with alopecia areata can affect well-being and aspects of daily life.
Incorrect. Alopecia areata can have a real impact on patients’ daily lives and there can be an emotional burden. ii, vi
Correct. Alopecia areata can have a real impact on patients’ daily lives and there can be an emotional burden. ii, vi
“
Only adults are affected by alopecia areata.
Correct. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can affect all ages, genders, and ethnicities. About 20 percent of people with alopecia areata are diagnosed by age 18. vii
Incorrect. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can affect all ages, genders, and ethnicities. About 20 percent of people with alopecia areata are diagnosed by age 18. vii
SOURCES
i Villasante Fricke AC, Miteva M. Epidemiology and burden of alopecia areata: a systematic review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2015;8:397-403. doi:10.2147/CCID.S53985.
ii Pratt CH, King LE, Messenger AG, Christiano AM, Sundberg JP. Alopecia areata. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2017;3:17011. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2017.11.
iii Aldhouse, et al. (2020). "'You lose your hair, what's the big deal?' I was so embarrassed, I was so self-conscious, I was so depressed:" a qualitative interview study to understand the psychosocial burden of alopecia areata. Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes. 2020;4(76). doi: 10.1186/s41687-020-00240-7.
iv Census Bureau, U. S. (2021). United States Census Bureau International Data Base. Suitland, Silverland, Maryland; U.S Census Bureau .
v Mubki, T., Rudnicka, L., Olszewska, M., Shaprio, J. (2014). Evaluation and diagnosis of the hair loss patient. JAAD. 2015;71:415.E1-415.E15. doi.10.1016/j.jaad.2014.04.070.
vi Strazzulla L, Hsi Chun Wang E, Avila L, et. al. (2018). Alopecia areata: Disease characteristics, clinical evaluation, and new perspectives on pathogenesis. 2018;78:1-12.
vii Harries, M., et al. The epidemiology of alopecia areata: a population-based cohort study in UK primary care. British Journal of Dermatology. 2022; 186: 257-265. Doi.10.1111/bjd.20628.
