Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease that causes a person's hair to fall out as the immune system attacks the hair follicles.  Hair often falls out in clumps and can be maintained in a small area or may lead to severe hair loss.

What are the symptoms?

• Hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body
• Itching as the hair regrows
• Uneven regrowth of hair

Who gets it?

Anyone can be affected by alopecia areata, and nearly 2% of the American population will develop the disease at some point.  Some people may have an increased risk if they have a family history of the disease or of other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes or lupus.  Children and young adults are also commonly affected.