I Think I Have Alopecia Areata. What Will Happen if I Leave It Untreated?

Question

I'm F 29 yrs. There is a spot in my head, 7cm diameter, right at the top, middle front of my head , that is thinning more and more, and it looks like its taking a circular shape. Very visible itchy scalp in this area! I'm done with going to my family doctor, because Hair science is not his specialism. I'm taking iron supplements and eating healthily. Lots of dark hair are loosing pigment overnight, becoming white from root to tip.What can I do? I still have got some hair in the spot area.

Kathleen J. Smith, MD · Answer

From what you are describing you seem to have a generally good prognosis. I would recommend that you be evaluated by a dermatologist to determine that this is in fact Alopecia Areata and that you get appropriate therapy and appropriate further evaluation, if necessary. If this is treated properly it can be resolved without leaving any scaring.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

For 1/3 of people with alopecia areata with a single patch, the hair will grow back in 6 months even without treatment. For another 1/3 of people, it will grow back in 1 year without treatment. For 1/3 it does not grow back on its and hair loss worsens without treatment.That’s the story of what happens without treatment. Treatment can change things of course and treatments may help patches grow back faster and more completely. New patches of hair loss, however, might still form down the road.

Renita (Lourdhurajan) Rajan, MD, DNB · Answer

Most cases of alopecia areata do resolve spontaneously, but in about 25% of cases there may be a progression of symptoms. Intralesional steroids are the preferred treatment for single patch AA, and should hasten the resolution of the patch. Please  visit your dermatologist to help you with the treatment.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Some forms of alopecia are self limiting and will disappear in a few weeks or months.  Some forms will progress beyond the initial lesions you have detected and others may stay where they are presently.  Treatments today are good in the hands of good dermatologists

I Think I Have Alopecia Areata. What Will Happen if I Leave It Untreated?

Answers (4)

Answer: Untreated alopecia areata

Answer: Untreated alopecia areata

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I Think I Have Alopecia Areata. What Will Happen if I Leave It Untreated?

Answers (4)

Answer: Untreated alopecia areata

Answer: Untreated alopecia areata

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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