Alopecia Areata Quick Facts
Concern: Sudden patchy hair loss caused by immune system activity
Common Areas: Scalp, eyebrows, beard, body hair
Causes: Autoimmune condition, genetics, stress, environmental triggers
Treatment Options: Prescription topical or injectable therapies, oral medications, clinical trials
Downtime: None
Results: Reduced shedding and stimulation of new hair growth with consistent care
Understanding Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack hair follicles, resulting in sudden, patchy hair loss. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, beard, or other areas of the body, and in some cases may progress to more extensive hair loss (alopecia totalis or universalis).
While the exact cause remains unclear, it often involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors. Though alopecia areata is not contagious or dangerous, its visible nature can be emotionally distressing.
At FACET Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and management of hair loss, offering both standard treatments and access to clinical trials for innovative new therapies.
Treatment & Recommended Services
Treatment for alopecia areata focuses on reducing inflammation, calming the immune response, and stimulating regrowth. Your dermatologist will create a plan tailored to the severity and pattern of your hair loss.
Your individualized plan may include:
- Topical or injectable corticosteroids to suppress local inflammation and encourage regrowth
- Topical minoxidil to stimulate hair follicles
- Oral medications for more extensive or resistant cases
- Nutritional and scalp health guidance to support regrowth and prevent breakage
- Participation in Clinical Trials offering access to promising new treatment options
FACET Dermatology also provides comprehensive hair loss consultations, ensuring that each patient receives an accurate diagnosis and a clear understanding of the treatment journey ahead.
Get your Alopecia Areata checked & treated by our dermatologists at FACET. A referral is required for this service.
Alopecia Areata and Clinical Trials
FACET Dermatology is actively involved in clinical research for alopecia areata, helping advance the future of hair loss treatment. Our ongoing clinical trials explore novel therapies designed to stimulate regrowth, regulate immune activity, and restore confidence.
Participating in a clinical trial may allow you to:
- Access innovative treatments not yet available to the public
- Receive expert care and close medical monitoring from our dermatology research team
- Contribute to scientific progress that helps others living with hair loss
All studies are conducted under Health Canada–approved protocols and supervised by our board-certified dermatologists to ensure safety and comfort throughout your participation.
If traditional options haven’t provided the results you want, or if you’re interested in emerging therapies, ask our team about current alopecia clinical trials at FACET Dermatology.
