What are the symptoms of Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata’s primary symptoms are hair loss. First symptoms of alopecia areata are small bald patches. The underlying skin is unscarred and looks superficially normal. Although these patches can take many shapes, they are usually round or oval, approx the size of a coin. Alopecia areata most often affects the scalp and beard, but may occur on any part of the body with hair.

Outside of hair loss, research demonstrates a widespread impact of alopecia on the psychological health of patients - including impairment in self-esteem, increased incidence of anxiety and depressive disorders, problems with social relations, decreased health-related quality of life, and decrease in general quality of life. Depression, anxiety, and panic disorders are common, and the coping mechanisms of alopecia patients mirror those of grief and bereavement.