Though this collection of images depicts the scalp, the patchy or coin-shaped hair loss of alopecia areata can develop on other locations of the body including the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, axillary, and could even include the inside of the ears and nose. Notice the fine white hair that will thicken and regain color with time— a sign of regrowth.

Note the exclamation mark hairs that are characteristic of alopecia areata. Keep in mind to examine the patient’s nails—they might be brittle and have dents or ridges. Furthermore, alopecia areata presenting on the frontotemporal scalp in coarser hair types can often be misdiagnosed as traction alopecia. Therefore it is important to take a good history combined with a thorough clinical examination (and/or biopsy, if necessary) to rule out different forms of alopecia.

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