Alopecia areata: Understanding the autoimmune hair loss condition

Alopecia areata is an unpredictable autoimmune condition that affects approximately 2% of the global population. According to dermatologist Enilde Borges Costa of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), the disease occurs when the body attacks hair follicles, preventing healthy hair growth. The condition often manifests in cycles of hair loss followed by regrowth.

The disease presents in three primary forms: localized patches on the scalp, total alopecia (complete loss of scalp hair), and universal alopecia (total loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes). Diagnosis is strictly clinical, performed through physical examination, as there are currently no definitive laboratory or imaging tests to identify the condition.

Beyond physical symptoms, the condition has significant psychological impacts. While genetics play a role, triggers such as infections or intense stress can exacerbate episodes. Patients often face the stigma of being told their condition is purely emotional, which can lead to feelings of guilt. Some patients, such as Beatriz Santos, have reported complications from conventional treatments like long-term corticosteroid use, including issues like osteopenia, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to managing both physical health and quality of life.