This image displays a round area of hair loss with fine regrowth due to alopecia areata. Nails may have a stippled "beaten copper" appearance with alopecia areata. Alopecia areata typically presents with sudden circular areas of hair loss without any other skin changes. This image displays hair follicles that are still present with some starting to regrow hair with slender, short stubs. With alopecia areata, tiny "exclamation point hairs" can often be seen in the center of the bald spot. This image displays a normal, healthy scalp with alopecia areata.
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Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)  Teen information

Picture of Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata): This image displays a round area of hair loss with fine regrowth due to alopecia areata. Divider line
This image displays a round area of hair loss with fine regrowth due to alopecia areata.
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Signs and Symptoms
Hair loss most commonly occurs on the scalp, but it can also target the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and other body sites. Symptoms may include the following:
  • Round, patchy areas of non-scarring hair loss, ranging from mild to severe
    • Mild: 1–5 scattered areas of hair loss on the scalp and beard
    • Moderate: More than 5 scattered areas of hair loss on the scalp and beard
    • Severe: loss of all of the hair on the scalp and body
  • Scalp burning (without redness), accompanying lesions
  • Pitting and ridging of the fingernails
Hairs that do grow back often lack color or may be either temporarily or permanently white. This hypopigmentation is not seen in other forms of alopecia.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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