How many kinds of alopecia areata are there?

Alopecia areata most commonly begins as isolated patchy hair loss, usually in one or more coin-sized (usually round or oval) patches on the scalp or other places on the body that grow hair — such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes or extremities (arms, legs, hands and feet).

MAIN FORMS OF ALOPECIA AREATA

Alopecia areata (patchy)

Alopecia areata (patchy) is the form with one or more coin-sized (usually round or oval) patches on the scalp or other places on the body that grow hair. This type may convert into either alopecia totalis (hair loss across the entire scalp) or alopecia universalis (hair loss across the entire body), but most commonly it remains patchy.

Persistent patchy alopecia areata

Persistent patchy alopecia areata is characterized by patchy scalp hair loss that continues over a long period of time without ever developing into extensive alopecia areata such as totalis or universalis.

Alopecia totalis

Alopecia totalis results in hair loss across the entire scalp.

Alopecia universalis

Alopecia universalis is more advanced than alopecia totalis. This type results in hair loss across the entire scalp and face (including eyebrows and eyelashes), plus the rest of the body (including pubic hair).

OTHER FORMS OF ALOPECIA AREATA

Diffuse alopecia areata

Diffuse alopecia areata results in sudden and unexpected thinning of the hair all over the scalp. It can be hard to diagnose because it looks a lot like other forms of hair loss such as telogen effluvium or male or female pattern hair loss.

Ophiasis alopecia

Ophiasis alopecia areata has a unique pattern of hair loss, which includes the sides and lower back of the scalp (called the occipital region) in the shape of a band. Ophiasis alopecia areata can be more difficult to treat, because it does not respond as quickly to medication.

 

With all types of alopecia areata, hair loss and regrowth can be very unpredictable and cyclical (happen over and over), for many years. Though for some people, hair may regrow and not fall out again. Currently there is no cure for alopecia areata. However, your hair follicles remain alive no matter what type you have. This means that hair regrowth can happen after many years of severe or widespread hair loss.

There are also several treatment options available for these different kinds of alopecia areata. The only way to be sure what type of alopecia areata you may have, and the best course for treatment, is to make an appointment with your dermatologist.