Alopecia areata and patchy hair loss: What is it?

If you suddenly experience patchy hair loss, one possible cause may be alopecia areata, also known as patchy hair loss.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterised by well-defined areas of hair loss. The condition most commonly affects the scalp, but can also affect, for example, the beard, eyebrows or other hairy areas of the body.

If you experience sudden or patchy hair loss, we recommend that you contact your doctor so that the cause can be properly assessed.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata typically presents as one or more round or oval patches where the hair has suddenly fallen out.

The skin in the affected area is often smooth and free of scarring.

The condition is caused by a reaction in the immune system that affects the hair follicles. The precise reason why the condition develops in some people is not fully understood.

Alopecia areata can affect both men and women and can occur at various ages.

You can read more about alopecia areata on Sundhed.dk.

What does alopecia areata look like?

The most characteristic sign is the sudden appearance of clearly defined areas of hair loss.

Symptoms may include:

one or more round areas without hair
smooth skin in the hairless areas
hair loss on the scalp, beard or eyebrows
in rarer cases, more extensive hair loss
in some people, changes to the nails

There are many other causes of hair loss, and it is therefore not possible to make a diagnosis based solely on a description found online.

If you are in any doubt, you should contact your doctor.

Are there different types of alopecia?

The word ‘alopecia’ means hair loss and is used to describe several different conditions.

Alopecia areata is the form in which hair loss typically occurs in well-defined patches.

If all the hair on the head is lost, this is known as alopecia totalis, whilst hair loss across the whole body is known as alopecia universalis.

There are also other forms of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, which has a different cause and course.

It is therefore important to identify the cause of the hair loss before attempting to treat it.

Why do people develop alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disease.

This means that the immune system attacks the body’s own hair follicles.

The exact cause is unknown, but hereditary factors appear to play a role. There is also a link between alopecia areata and certain other autoimmune diseases.

It cannot be concluded that alopecia areata is caused by a deficiency in specific vitamins, incorrect hair care or a particular shampoo.

Is alopecia areata caused by stress?

The link between stress and alopecia areata is not clear-cut.

Stress can affect the body in many ways, but this does not mean that stress is necessarily the cause of alopecia areata.

If you experience sudden patchy hair loss, you should therefore focus on getting a proper assessment from a doctor rather than trying to identify a single specific trigger yourself.

Can vitamin deficiency cause alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata should not be regarded as a condition caused by a deficiency of a specific vitamin or mineral.

If you suspect a vitamin or mineral deficiency for other reasons, your doctor can assess whether further investigations or blood tests are needed.

Dietary supplements should not be used as a treatment for alopecia areata.

How does alopecia areata progress?

The course of the condition varies greatly from person to person.

In around half of those affected, hair grows back spontaneously within approximately 6–12 months.

For some, the condition may recur later, whilst others may experience a more prolonged course.

It is therefore not possible to give an individual prognosis based solely on the appearance of hair loss at any given time.

Can alopecia areata be treated?

Medical treatment options are available, but the choice of treatment depends, amongst other things, on the extent and duration of the condition, as well as the individual person.

A doctor or a dermatologist can assess whether treatment is appropriate.

Treatment options may include, amongst other things, prescription treatment with corticosteroids and, in some cases, other medicines.

As the treatment of alopecia areata is a medical matter, we always recommend speaking to a doctor or dermatologist rather than attempting to treat the condition with cosmetic hair care products.

Can alopecia areata be prevented?

There is no proven method for preventing alopecia areata.

This also means that general hair care, dietary supplements or scalp massage should not be described as something that can prevent the condition.

You can still take good care of your hair and scalp, but it is important to distinguish between hair care and treatment of alopecia areata.

Hair care when you experience patchy hair loss

Although cosmetic products do not treat alopecia areata, you can still focus on a gentle hair care routine.

If your hair feels more fragile, you can, for example, treat it gently whilst washing, avoid unnecessarily rough brushing and limit the use of very high temperatures from styling tools.

The scalp may also feel more exposed in areas affected by hair loss. In such cases, it may be advisable to protect the skin from strong sunlight, for example by wearing a hat.

Shampoo and conditioner for alopecia areata

There is no standard cosmetic shampoo or conditioner that treats alopecia areata.

However, you can choose products that suit your hair and scalp, so that your regular hair care routine feels comfortable.

Shampoo is primarily used to cleanse the hair and scalp, whilst conditioner can help nourish the hair, reduce friction and make it easier to comb through.

If your scalp is irritated or very sensitive, you can speak to your GP or dermatologist about which products are most suitable.

What about scalp massage?

A scalp massage can be a pleasant part of a regular hair care routine.

However, it should not be marketed or regarded as a treatment for alopecia areata or as a method that has been proven to regrow hair in cases of this condition.

If you massage your scalp, you should do so gently and without irritating the skin.

What about scalp serums?

A cosmetic scalp serum can be used as part of a regular scalp care routine, depending on the product’s intended purpose.

It is important to distinguish between a cosmetic product and medical treatment.

A cosmetic serum should therefore not be used as a substitute for medical treatment of alopecia areata.

If you have been diagnosed with alopecia areata and would also like to use cosmetic scalp products, you can ask your GP or dermatologist if you are in any doubt.

Diet and alopecia areata

A varied and balanced diet is part of a generally healthy lifestyle.

However, there is no evidence to support the use of specific foods, vitamins, minerals or diets as a treatment for alopecia areata.

This also applies to so-called anti-inflammatory diets.

If you suspect a deficiency or have questions about your diet in relation to your condition, it is best to speak to your doctor or a clinical dietitian.

Essential oils and alopecia

Essential oils should not be marketed as a treatment for alopecia areata.

Furthermore, some essential oils can irritate the skin, particularly if used in concentrated form.

If you wish to use oils cosmetically on your scalp, you should follow the product’s instructions and stop using it if your skin reacts.

Take good care of the hair you have

If you are experiencing hair loss, a gentle hair care routine can help you look after the hair you have left.

This might involve, for example, avoiding rough brushing, very tight hairstyles and excessive heat styling.

Conditioners and nourishing products can also make your hair easier to manage and reduce friction on the hair shaft itself.

These measures do not treat alopecia areata, but can form part of a pleasant daily hair care routine.

When should you see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience sudden or unexplained patchy hair loss.

This is particularly important if the hair loss progresses rapidly, affects several areas or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Your doctor can assess whether it is alopecia areata or another cause of hair loss and advise on any further treatment.

Frequently asked questions about alopecia areata

Is alopecia areata a disease?

Yes. Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disease in which the immune system affects the hair follicles.

Can both men and women develop alopecia areata?

Yes. Alopecia areata can affect both men and women and can occur at various ages.

How does alopecia areata start?

The condition often presents as one or more sudden, well-defined patches of hair loss.

Will the hair grow back?

This varies from person to person.

In around half of cases, the hair grows back spontaneously within 6–12 months, but relapses can occur.

Can shampoo treat alopecia?

No. A standard cosmetic shampoo does not treat alopecia areata.

Shampoo can be used for general cleansing and care of the hair and scalp.

Can dietary supplements treat alopecia?

Dietary supplements should not be marketed or used as a treatment for alopecia areata.

If you suspect a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you should speak to your doctor.

Can scalp massage help your hair grow back?

Scalp massage can be a pleasant part of a regular hair care routine, but should not be regarded as a treatment for alopecia areata.

Gentle hair care products

If you have alopecia areata, it is important to emphasise that cosmetic hair products do not treat the condition.

However, you can still use shampoo, conditioner, hair masks or other care products for their usual cosmetic purposes.

Grow & Glow shampoo and conditioner

Grow & Glow Shampoo and Conditioner can be used as part of a regular hair care routine.

The products are designed to cleanse and condition the hair and scalp and can be used in accordance with the standard instructions for use.

They should not be regarded as a treatment for alopecia areata.

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Grow & Glow Serum Formula+

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+ is a cosmetic scalp serum applied directly to the scalp.

If you have alopecia areata, the serum should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or marketed as a remedy for the condition.

If you wish to use a cosmetic scalp serum whilst undergoing treatment for alopecia areata, you should speak to your doctor or dermatologist if you have any doubts.