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There are three main types of alopecia areata: patchy alopecia areata, alopecia areata totalis, and alopecia areata universalis. These types of alopecia areata are categorised depending on the pattern and extent of hair loss.
Patchy alopecia areata is represented by round or coin-sized patches of hair loss on the scalp. Alopecia totalis represents the complete loss of hair on the scalp. Alopecia universalis is complete hair loss across the entire body.
These conditions are often caused by genetics or external environmental factors like stress and anxiety, or sometimes even a combination of both. Depending on the severity and extent of hair loss, treatments ranging from corticosteroids and minoxidil to immunotherapy and PRP are prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Understanding alopecia areata requires an understanding of its various types. So, read this blog to know more about alopecia areata types, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss caused by an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune cells attack the hair follicles, damaging them and causing hair loss. You can tell if your hair loss is caused by alopecia areata if you notice the hair thinning in small, round or oval patches on different areas of your scalp.
The exact trigger for alopecia areata is unknown, but genetic factors, environmental causes, and a dysfunctional immune system may lead to it.
Although you can develop alopecia areata at any time in life, the onset is usually seen during the teens or early 20s. Alopecia areata can occur in phases; you may experience hair fall for some time, followed by periods of hair that grows back. The hair that grows back might initially look white or a lighter colour, but will return to your normal hair colour over time.
Unfortunately, a condition like alopecia areata can recur throughout life, but remember that hair loss is a phase that will pass.
We have mentioned how hair loss occurs in patches on the scalp. But there are different types of alopecia areata, which are characterised based on the pattern of hair loss. Let us better understand the types of alopecia areata.
Types of alopecia areata
We have already established that alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, but to understand it on a deeper level, it is important to first identify the three main types of alopecia areata.
Patchy alopecia areata
It is a common autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in patches.
These patches are round or oval-shaped. This primarily occurs on the scalp, but some cases have shown it to appear on the beard, eyebrows, and body. The hair loss patches are smooth and peach-coloured, or sometimes just plain white skin patches.
In this category, hair loss is sudden, though some people have reported symptoms of tingling, burning or itching before the affected hairs fall out, but no scars or rashes at the site of hair loss.
Alopecia areata totalis
This type of alopecia areata occurs when you experience hair loss across the whole scalp. It is not contagious, but it is severe and unpredictable.
This complete hair loss across the scalp usually starts off as patchy hair loss, or when small patches join together and form larger patches.
This type of alopecia is characterised by near-total (>95%) hair loss on the scalp, and may sometimes extend to eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial hair.
Alopecia areata universalis
In this type of alopecia areata, hair loss occurs across the whole body, including the eyelashes, eyebrows, facial hair in men, and hair on the rest of the body. Individuals dealing with this are usually healthy and have no other symptoms.
Alopecia universalis can occur at any age and is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. This may also be accompanied by itching, tingling, and burning sensations at the site of hair loss.
There are also some rarer alopecia areata types:
- Diffused alopecia areata: When you experience hair thinning across the scalp but not in patches, it is called diffused alopecia areata. The condition may look similar to other types of hair loss, but it can be diagnosed through tests that show it is an autoimmune condition.
- Ophiasis alopecia: In this rare form of alopecia areata, hair loss occurs in a band across the back of the head, as well as over the ears.
What causes alopecia areata?
As mentioned earlier, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack hair follicles. However, the exact cause is still unknown.
However, the different types of alopecia areata (patchy, totalis, and universalis) can be triggered by certain elements that activate the immune system. If you’re noticing changes in your hair, you should know about the triggers that can cause alopecia areata.
Here are some of the triggers for all 3 types of alopecia areata:
- Autoimmune disorders or reactions may cause the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles, ultimately leading to hair loss.
- A family history of genetics plays a major role in increasing the risk of patchy hair loss.
- Certain environmental factors, such as stress, illness, or trauma, can trigger patchy hair loss.
Alopecia areata can be an uncomfortable and scary condition to live with. But understanding the signs and symptoms can help you talk to your doctor about the treatment options available to you.
What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?
Aside from the hair loss, you could experience a few other symptoms which distinguish alopecia areata from other types of hair loss.
To understand the different signs and symptoms of each type of alopecia areata, let’s look at the table below:
|
Type |
Location |
Pattern |
Key identifying features |
|
Patchy alopecia areata |
Scalp |
Smooth, bald patches that are round or oval in shape |
Sudden and rapid loss of hair in small, round patches |
|
Alopecia areata totalis |
Scalp |
Complete hair loss across the scalp, |
Small patches combine to cause extensive balding across the scalp |
|
Alopecia areata universalis |
Scalp and body |
Total hair loss across the entire body |
Complete absence of hair follicles with smooth and sensitive skin |
If you are experiencing these symptoms along with hair fall, it would be a good idea to see a dermatologist. It can be scary, but you do have treatment options that can help keep these varying types of alopecia areata hair loss under control.
How do you treat alopecia areata?
While alopecia areata has no cure, the symptoms can be effectively controlled, and there are treatments to help your hair grow back. The treatment totally depends on the extent of hair loss or the type of alopecia you’re dealing with, i.e. patchy, totalis, or universalis.
You can consult your dermatologist, who will first examine your scalp to determine the type of alopecia areata. The doctor may also ask you to get some tests done to confirm the diagnosis. These tests usually include a blood test and a hair sample analysis. A scalp biopsy may also be prescribed if necessary.
The types of treatments that you could expect are as follows:
Localised treatments (For patchy alopecia areata)
If the hair loss is confined to smaller patches across the scalp, then the treatment is focused on delivering medication directly to the affected hair follicles. Some medications that are used for this are:
- Intralesional corticosteroids involve injections into the scalp every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Similarly, topical corticosteroids, such as creams, lotions, and ointments, are used to reduce inflammation on the scalp.
- Topical immunotherapy is when chemicals are applied to the scalp that change the immune response.
Treatments for severe cases of alopecia (totalis and universalis)
These treatments are delivered when localised treatments are no longer useful.
- JAK (Jan Kinase) Inhibitors stop the immune system from attacking the hair follicles.
- Phototherapy (light-based treatment) is used to manage or reduce the immune response in severe alopecia cases.
- Immunotherapy
Supportive treatments for addressing alopecia areata
- Minoxidil has been shown to stimulate hair regrowth when used with either corticosteroids or JAK inhibitors.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment uses your own blood plasma to enable the regrowth of hair follicles.
Lifestyle and behavioural changes you can implement to manage alopecia areata
Besides these treatment techniques, there are things you can do for yourself that can counter alopecia areata types of hair loss.
- Avoid triggers: If you know you are allergic to certain foods or substances, try to avoid them as much as possible, as allergies can trigger alopecia areata.
- Manage stress: Stress is another trigger, so try using stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or a calming walk.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet and lifestyle can help to stimulate hair growth and keep hair loss under control.
- Trying new styles: Styling your hair to cover the patches, or even wearing a wig or a hat, can help you feel more confident to face the world when dealing with alopecia areata types of hair loss.
To support your fight against hair fall, hair thinning, or pattern baldness, you can also try Traya’s Ultimate Hair Supplements Combo, blending Ayurveda and dermatology with Hair Ras and Hair Vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is There a Cure for the Different Types of Alopecia Areata?
No, there is no cure for alopecia areata, but the symptoms can be managed effectively with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.
2. How Long Will It Take for My Hair to Grow Back After Alopecia Areata?
It is not easy to predict when your hair will grow back, as each case is different. Sometimes the hair starts growing back in some patches while other patches are forming, and sometimes it can take a few weeks for your hair to grow back.
3. Will the Hair That Grows Back After Alopecia Areata Look Different From My Normal Hair?
Initially, the new hair that grows back might appear grey or even white. But this is temporary, and it returns to your natural colour in a few days.
4. Can I Prevent Alopecia Areata?
No. You cannot prevent alopecia areata, but you can avoid triggers to reduce the risk of occurrence.
5. Are There Any Types of Female Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata affects women the same way it affects men. However, because many women have long hair, hair loss may look more drastic as the strands that come out are longer.
6. How to Stop Worrying About Alopecia Areata?
By managing stress, you can help reduce the symptoms of alopecia. Also, healthy habits like daily exercise and a correct diet can help prevent the onset of alopecia-type symptoms.
7. Is Alopecia Areata Serious?
It is neither life-threatening nor contagious. While it does not cause pain or physical discomfort, it may cause emotional distress and anxiety.
8. What Vitamins Fight Alopecia Areata?
Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements help manage symptoms of alopecia areata.
References:
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/alopecia-areata
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537000/
- https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata/
- https://www.naaf.org/diagnosis/
- https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata/types-of-alopecia-areata/
- https://www.naaf.org/navigation-toolkit/available-treatments/
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia
-
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12423-alopecia-areata
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