Question 1

What is alopecia areata?

Accepted Answer

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune, non-scarring hair-loss disorder that commonly causes smooth, clearly defined patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard, eyebrows or other body areas [2].

Question 2

Is alopecia areata contagious?

Accepted Answer

No. Alopecia areata is not an infection and cannot be passed from one person to another [2].

Question 3

Can hair regrow without treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spontaneous regrowth is possible, particularly with limited patchy disease, but recurrence can occur and the course is unpredictable [2].

Question 4

What are alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis?

Accepted Answer

Alopecia totalis is complete or near-complete loss of scalp hair. Alopecia universalis is extensive loss of scalp, facial and body hair [2].

Question 5

How is alopecia areata diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical pattern and dermoscopic findings. Blood tests or scalp biopsy may be used when another diagnosis or associated condition is suspected [8].

Question 6

What biomedical treatments may be used?

Accepted Answer

Options include observation, topical or intralesional corticosteroids, adjunctive minoxidil, contact immunotherapy, systemic corticosteroids, other immunomodulators and approved oral JAK inhibitors for selected severe cases [2].

Question 7

What TCM patterns may be considered?

Accepted Answer

Traditional patterns include Blood deficiency generating Wind, Liver-Kidney deficiency, Qi-Blood deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation with Blood stasis, Blood Heat generating Wind and Spleen deficiency with Dampness [8].

Question 8

Can acupuncture or Chinese herbs cure alopecia areata?

Accepted Answer

There is insufficient evidence that they cure the autoimmune disorder or permanently prevent relapse. They may only be considered adjunctively alongside dermatological care [8].

Question 9

When should hair loss be referred urgently?

Accepted Answer

Prompt referral is warranted for rapidly spreading hair loss, extensive disease, scalp pain or inflammation, scaling in a child, loss of follicular openings, systemic symptoms or severe psychological distress [2].

Question 10

Are oral JAK inhibitors used for alopecia areata?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Oral JAK inhibitors are approved in some jurisdictions for selected adults or adolescents with severe alopecia areata. They require specialist prescribing, screening and ongoing safety monitoring [2].

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