Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata often appears as sudden round or oval patches of hair loss. The scalp may look fairly normal, which can make the change feel confusing and worrying.
Patchy hair loss should be assessed carefully because not every bald patch is alopecia areata. Trichoscopy and scalp examination can help look for clues such as defined margins, short broken hairs, black dots, inflammation, scaling, tenderness, or signs that medical input may be needed.
At Carmen Du Preez Trichology in Perth, the assessment focuses on understanding the pattern, scalp signs, history, and safest next step.
What Is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune type of hair loss.
This means the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicle, which can interrupt the normal hair growth cycle. The affected follicles may stop producing visible hair for a period of time, leading to patches of hair loss.
Alopecia areata most commonly appears as round or oval patches of hair loss, but it can present differently from person to person.
What Does Alopecia Areata Look Like?
Alopecia areata may present as:
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One or more smooth round patches of hair loss
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Sudden patchy hair loss on the scalp
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Hair loss in the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair
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Increased shedding in some cases
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Diffuse thinning in less typical presentations
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Changes in nail texture in some people
What Causes Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is linked to immune system activity around the hair follicle.
The exact trigger is not always clear. In some people, alopecia areata may be associated with:
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Family history of autoimmune conditions
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Personal history of autoimmune conditions
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Recent illness
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Significant stress
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Thyroid-related conditions
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Allergies or atopic tendencies
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Other immune-related factors
It is important to know that alopecia areata is not caused by poor hair washing, using the wrong shampoo, or everyday hair care habits.
Is Alopecia Areata Permanent?
Alopecia areata can behave unpredictably.
In some cases, the hair may regrow. In other cases, hair loss may persist, recur, or spread. Some people experience one isolated episode, while others may have repeated episodes over time.
Because alopecia areata varies from person to person, it is important to have the scalp and hair assessed and to seek medical guidance where appropriate.
Can Alopecia Areata Spread?
Alopecia areata can remain limited to one patch, but it can also progress to multiple patches or more extensive hair loss in some people.
More extensive forms include:
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Alopecia totalis, involving loss of all scalp hair
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Alopecia universalis, involving loss of hair across the scalp and body
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Diffuse alopecia areata, where shedding or thinning appears more widespread
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Ophiasis pattern, where hair loss occurs around the sides and back of the scalp
Any sudden, spreading, or unusual hair loss should be assessed promptly.
How Is Alopecia Areata Different From Other Types of Hair Loss?
Alopecia areata is different from many other types of hair loss because it is autoimmune in nature and often appears as sudden patchy hair loss.
Other types of hair loss may present differently.
For example:
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Telogen effluvium usually causes diffuse shedding across the scalp
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Female pattern hair loss often causes gradual thinning over the top of the scalp
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Male pattern hair loss often affects the hairline and crown
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Traction alopecia is linked to repeated tension on the hair
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Scarring alopecia may involve inflammation and permanent follicle damage
A detailed assessment can help identify whether the pattern looks more consistent with alopecia areata or another type of hair loss.
Can Blood Tests Be Relevant?
Blood tests may be relevant in some cases, especially if there are signs, symptoms, or history suggesting another contributing factor.
Depending on the individual situation, blood tests that may be discussed with your GP or healthcare provider include:
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Full blood count
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Iron studies
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Ferritin
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Vitamin D
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Vitamin B12
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Folate
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Thyroid function
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Inflammatory markers
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Autoimmune-related testing where medically appropriate
Blood tests do not diagnose every type of hair loss, and alopecia areata often requires medical assessment where diagnosis or treatment is needed.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Early assessment is important because patchy hair loss can have different causes.
While alopecia areata is one possible cause, patchy hair loss may also be linked to fungal infection, traction, scarring alopecia, trauma, trichotillomania, or other scalp and hair conditions.
Some causes require medical treatment or referral. This is why it is important not to guess, especially if the area is spreading, inflamed, painful, scaly, or associated with broken hairs.
How a Trichology Consultation Can Help
A trichology consultation can help assess the pattern and appearance of your hair loss and guide the next steps.
At Carmen Du Preez Trichology, your consultation may include:
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Detailed discussion of when the hair loss started
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Assessment of whether the hair loss is patchy, diffuse, or patterned
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Review of stress, illness, medical history, medications, and family history
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Hair and scalp examination
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High-magnification trichoscopy
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Review of relevant blood test results where appropriate
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Discussion of possible contributing factors
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Guidance on whether GP or dermatologist referral may be appropriate
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Education around monitoring and follow-up
A trichologist does not replace a GP or dermatologist. Where medical diagnosis, prescription treatment, biopsy, or specialist assessment is required, referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be recommended.
When Should You Book a Consultation?
You may benefit from booking a consultation if:
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You have noticed a sudden bald patch
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You have one or more round patches of hair loss
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The patch is increasing in size
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You are developing multiple patches
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Your hair loss is sudden or unusual
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You are unsure whether it is alopecia areata or another condition
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You have scalp redness, scaling, tenderness, itching, or discomfort
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You have patchy hair loss with broken hairs
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You have a history of autoimmune or thyroid conditions
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You want guidance on what steps to take next
Sudden or patchy hair loss should be assessed rather than ignored.
Book an Alopecia Areata Consultation in Perth
If you are concerned about sudden patchy hair loss or possible alopecia areata, a trichology consultation can help provide clarity and guide the next step.
Carmen Du Preez Trichology offers hair and scalp consultations in Perth, including detailed case history, scalp assessment, trichoscopy, and review of relevant blood test results where appropriate.
Book an initial trichology consultation to better understand your hair and scalp concern and determine whether further medical assessment may be needed.