Alopecia: Change
misconceptions

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QUICK LINKS
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Understand symptoms
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Learn about diagnosis
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Explore treatment
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Alopecia Black

Hair loss is what you see.
Alopecia is what you may be

living with.

Alopecia is an unpredictable condition which causes hair loss in people of all ages and backgrounds. It can be small patches or even complete loss of hair. Hair helps protect our bodies by keeping us warm or protecting sensitive areas like our eyes from dust, senses changes in our environment, and plays a big role in how we express ourselves and about our identify.
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KNOW YOUR TYPE

Alopecia is not caused by
something you did.

Sometimes alopecia is linked to your genes or immune system. Other times, it’s triggered by
stress, illness, or hormones. There are many different types of alopecia.

Some examples include:
Photograph of androgenetic alopecia on the scalp.

Androgenetic alopecia

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The most common type, also known as male- or female-pattern baldness, where hair thins gradually.
Photograph of alopecia areata on the scalp.

Alopecia areata

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The second most common type, causing patchy hair loss that can come and go.
Photograph of scarring alopecia on the scalp.

Scarring alopecia

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A rare type that can cause permanent hair loss due to damage to the hair follicles.
This is not an exhaustive list of types of alopecia. Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors and conditions and would need to be treated accordingly. It is important to understand your symptoms and speak to a doctor.
Images used with permission from DermNet (©2025DermNet)
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SYMPTOMS AND AREAS OF THE BODY

Alopecia: A visual guide

Select an area of the body below to learn about common symptoms and how
they could appear.
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Scalp
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Eyebrows & eyelashes
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Facial hair
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Nails
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Body hair
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How alopecia affects the scalp

Alopecia on the scalp can cause hair thinning, bald spots, excessive shedding, itching or burning, scaly or red skin,
changes in hair texture, receding hairline, or sensitivity.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the scalp.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the scalp.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the scalp.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the scalp.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the scalp.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the scalp.
Images used with permission from DermNet (©2025DermNet)
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How alopecia affects eyebrows & eyelashes

Alopecia on the eyebrows & eyelashes can lead to hair thinning, bald spots, excessive shedding, itching or burning,
changes in hair texture, or sensitivity.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the eyebrows.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the eyelashes.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the eyebrows.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the eyebrows.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects the eyebrows.
Images used with permission from VisualDx
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How alopecia affects facial hair

Alopecia affecting facial hair can cause hair thinning, bald spots, excessive shedding, itching or burning,
changes in hair texture, or sensitivity.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects facial hair.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects facial hair.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects facial hair.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects facial hair.
Images used with permission from VisualDx
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How alopecia affects nails

Alopecia can lead to nail changes like pitting, brittleness, ridges or splitting,
roughness, and small, white spots.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects finger nails.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects finger nails.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects finger nails.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects finger nails.
Images used with permission from VisualDx
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How alopecia affects body hair

Alopecia affecting body hair can cause hair thinning, bald spots, excessive shedding, itching or burning,
changes in hair texture, or sensitivity.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects body hair on the chest.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects body hair on an arm.
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Photograph of how alopecia affects body hair on an arm
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Photograph of how alopecia affects body hair on a leg.
Images used with permission from VisualDx
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Experiencing symptoms? Find care

Explore care options
Get care
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How is alopecia
diagnosed?

Diagnosing alopecia involves a few different steps and tests to figure out the type of hair
loss and what’s causing it. Below are typical steps in the process.

Medical history

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Your doctor will want to know when your hair loss started, low long it’s been happening, and if anyone in your family has had similar issues.
Your doctor will want to know when your hair loss started, how long it’s been happening, and if anyone in your family has had similar issues.
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Physical exam

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Your doctor will check how much hair you’ve lost, whether your eyebrows or eyelashes are affected, and how the hair loss is impacting your life. This may include a hair pull test and scalp exam.
Your doctor will check how much hair you’ve lost, whether your eyebrows or eyelashes are affected, and how the hair loss is impacting your life. This may include a hair pull test and scalp exam.
Photograph of a doctor conducting a physical exam on the scalp of a patient.

Blood tests

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Your doctor may do blood tests to help identify if there are any underlying medical conditions causing the hair loss. Blood tests can check for things like iron deficiency, thyroid issues, or signs of autoimmune diseases.
Your doctor may do blood tests to help identify if there are any underlying medical conditions causing the hair loss. Blood tests can check for things like iron deficiency, thyroid issues, or signs of autoimmune diseases.
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Additional tests
(if needed)

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Your doctor may recommend additional tests, like a scalp biopsy if needed.
Your doctor may recommend additional tests, like a scalp biopsy if needed.
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TALK TO A DOCTOR

Talk to a dermatologist about alopecia

Living with alopecia is hard enough. Finding a health care professional should be easy.
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Find care near you

Explore local dermatologists and family physicians in your area. A family physician or general practitioner can help assess your needs and, when needed, connect you with a dermatologist.
Search for primary care near you
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man with alopecia smiling
TREATMENT

Alopecia is more than just hair loss.

A range of treatment options are available for alopecia, depending on your diagnosis. Speak with your doctor to find the right approach for you.
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