What Causes Alopecia Areata: Navigating This Hair Loss Condition

Ask anybody who has experienced alopecia areata and they’ll explain to you how different it manifests to male pattern hair loss. The way you see the hair being lost from your head is different to what a lot of men experience.

But what causes alopecia areata? And why does it happen to some people? Let’s look at the reasons behind alopecia and determine what can be done to address your hair loss problem.

What is Alopecia Areata?

There are different types of alopecia that a doctor could diagnose you with, like alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, or alopecia universalis. The way each form of the condition presents itself is different but is related by causing unexpected hair loss. Alopecia areata is perhaps the most common form of alopecia.

While male pattern hair loss is a genetic trait that occurs in the vast majority of men who experience hair loss, alopecia areata works differently.

Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss on your head, looking quite different to male pattern hair loss. Rather than seeing the hair loss start at your hairline or crown and then gradually recede and thin, alopecia can occur much faster and look more extreme than male pattern hair loss.

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

The exact cause behind alopecia aren’t isn’t entirely clear but your chances of being subjected to it can increase significantly if you suffer from a thyroid problem, diabetes, lupus, or some other illnesses.

Your body is tricked into thinking it needs to defend itself against an infection or external threat to your hair follicles (when it is actually because of the autoimmune response you’re suffering from) and does so by shedding your hair. 

Genetics contribute to a percentage of alopecia cases globally, as does the environment you find yourself in and lifestyle choices. Cancer and the subsequent treatment can cause people to suffer from a different type of alopecia. Interestingly, but maybe unsurprisingly given that your scalp is a sensitive skin area, types of dermatitis are linked to an increased likelihood of alopecia too.

The Treatment for Alopecia Areata

The treatment route that is necessary for you depends on the underlying condition of your alopecia. Contemporary alopecia areata treatments can work towards getting your hair back into the condition it was, if a doctor deems this necessary, but Minoxodil has also shown to assist in promoting and supporting regrowth for several forms of alopecia. Sons has expert knowledge on the subject of Minoxidil and the medication issued by our prescribing partners can help in revitalising hair follicles and reducing signs of hair loss

Minoxidil works in over 80% of men with male pattern hair loss but could also be beneficial for those experiencing hair loss for other reasons. Sons hold years of experience in the world of hair loss, partnering with prescribers to address these sorts of problems.

Fill out a consultation form and we will recommend a treatment plan. The Sons website has plenty of information on, how you apply the formula and how often, to the timeline of the results you can expect.

All of our blog articles are reviewed for medical accuracy by our Medical Director before publication.

Posted in: All, Hair, Hair loss