What causes Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder where one’s immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair to fall out. The exact trigger of the condition is unknown, however there is a genetic predisposition.

Alopecia Areata has been determined to be a polygenic disease, where both parents must contribute a number of specific genes in order for a child to develop it (unlike a single-gene disease). Researchers believe that it takes more than just genetics to cause the disease and that other environmental factors also contribute to people developing alopecia.