Scalp, Hair and Nails

Alopecia areatais a type ofhair lossthat occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, which is where hair growth begins. The damage to the follicle is usually not permanent. Experts do not know why the immune system attacks the follicles.Alopecia areatais most common in people younger than 20, but children and adults of any age may be affected. Women and men are affected equally.

Alopecia areatacannot be "cured" but it can be treated. Most people who have one episode will have more episodes ofhair loss. Read more aboutalopecia areata.