It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches. It occurs in males and females of all ages and races, but onset most often occurs in childhood. It is estimated that approximately two percent of the population will be affected at some point in their lives, or over 4.5 million people in the United States alone. These affected follicles become very small, drastically slow down production, and grow no hair visible above the surface for months or years. The scalp is the most commonly affected area, but the beard or any hair-bearing site can be affected alone or together with the scalp.
Some people develop only a few bare patches that regrow hair within a year.
No matter how widespread the hair loss, it is important to know that the hair follicles remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal. In all cases, no matter how severe, hair regrowth may occur even without treatment and even after many years. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation was founded in 1981 when a young Californian with the disease looked for others to share and understand her problems. It has grown into the world center of alopecia areata information, research, and service. Located in San Rafael, California, the Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and has a professional Chief Executive Officer and staff.