Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles. It causes small, round patches of hair loss that may go away on their own or last for many years. AA occurs in both genders and every ethnic group. Almost 2% of the U.S. population, or four million people, will develop AA in their lifetime. Although children and young adults are most commonly affected, people of all ages are at risk.

The exact cause of AA is not known. However, a person’s genetic makeup combined with other factors seems to play a role in triggering AA. One in five persons with AA has a family member that also has the disease.

There is no cure for AA. While there are treatments that may promote new hair growth, only the body itself can turn off the condition.

For additional information visit The American Academy of Dermatology.