While the condition is not usually life-threatening, it can cause a lot of anxiety and sadness for those who experience it. Alopecia areata can occur on the scalp, as well as other parts of the body, and may develop slowly and recur after years between occurrences. There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments available to help regrow hair. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss, hair may regrow without treatment within a year. However, in more severe cases, medication and surgery may be necessary. In terms of prevalence, current research suggests that there aren’t any differences in rates of alopecia between men and women, and the mean age of onset is between 25 and 36 years, though it can frequently occur in children and young adults too. While alopecia areata is not usually a serious medical condition, it can cause a significant impact on an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. Support groups are available to help those dealing with the psychological effects of alopecia areata. Other types of hair loss, such as those caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment, may also be referred to as alopecia. In these cases, hair loss is often temporary, and regrowth may occur after treatment has ended.