Alopecia areata

Question 1

Alopecia areata

Answer 1

(presumed) autoimmune condition causing localised, well-demarcated patches of hair loss

Question 2

Hair regrowth in alopecia areata

Answer 2

• regrow in 50% of patients by 1 year
• regrow in 80-90% of patients eventually
  important to educate patients about this - often treatment not required

Question 3

Treatment options for alopecia areata

Answer 3

• education about regrowth
• topical corticosteroids
• topical minoxidil (antihypertensive - K+ channel agonist)
• phototherapy
• contact immunotherapy
• wigs