Alopecia areata: an update

Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring, autoimmune hair loss on the scalp, and/or body. Etiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. The most common site affected is the scalp in the form of solitary or multiple patches of alopecia. Histopathology is characterized by an increased number of telogen follicles and presence of inflammatory lymphocytic infiltrate in the peribulbar region. Corticosteroids are the most popular drugs for the treatment of this disease. This review precisely outlines the etiologic and pathogenic mechanisms, clinical features, diagnosis and management of alopecia areata.