Alopecia Areata

• Alopecia Areata


  Hair loss of unknown origin, although there's often an association with atopy and autoimmune disease, and a positive family history is found in up to 25% of patients. People with this condition experience extensive hair loss and it's not infectious.
• Alopecia Areata


  • Can affect both men and women of any age
  • Starts in childhood in about 50% of cases
  • About 1 in 1000 people have a form of alopecia areata, independent of ethnicity
  • A family history of alopecia areata and/or of other autoimmune conditions are present in 10-25% of patients
  • People with alopecia areata are more likely to have other autoimmune diseases and atopic conditions
  • More common in people with chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome
  • It is a 'polygenic condition' - both parents must contribute specific genes for a child to develop it
  • Not contagious, not linked to food or vitamin deficiencies
• Management/treatment of Alopecia Areata

  1. Requires referral as it can't be treated in the pharmacy

  2. The condition is usually self-limiting and regrowth of hair is often observed, but repeated episodes are not unusual

  3. Common treatments include corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, and new therapies like JAK-inhibitors

  4. Consider minoxidil 2% topical solution or 5% foam for women

  5. Minoxidil 5% foam can be prescribed on an FP10 or purchased OTC

  6. Finasteride 1mg for men only - via PGD (patient group direction)