Alopecia Areata: Specialist Care in Birmingham
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, round bald patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. It can affect anyone, at any age.
Our doctor-led hair loss team in Birmingham confirms the diagnosis, checks for linked conditions and agrees a clear treatment plan with you.
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What is Alopecia Areata?
This is a type of hair loss in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair roots. This stops the roots from growing hair, so smooth, round patches appear, often within days or weeks. The good news is that the hair roots are not destroyed. They stay alive under the skin, so hair can grow back, either on its own or with treatment.
However, the condition is hard to predict. Patches may regrow, then new ones may appear later. It is not contagious and is not caused by anything you did. It is also linked to other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease.
That is why, at House of Health, we look at your whole health, not just the patches.
Types of Alopecia Areata
AA can look different from person to person. Our team uses a close scalp exam and AI scalp maps to see exactly which type you have:
Patchy Alopecia
The most common type. One or more round, smooth bald patches appear, often the size of a coin.
Ophiasis
Hair falls out in a band around the sides and back of the head. This type can be harder to treat.
Alopecia Totalis
All of the hair on the scalp falls out. This is less common.
Alopecia Universalis
The rarest type. Hair is lost from the scalp, face and body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
As Seen On
Signs: Smooth Round Patches and Nail Changes
Patchy hair loss often appears suddenly, and many people first notice a patch when a hairdresser or partner points it out. Common signs include:
- Round or oval bald patches with smooth, healthy-looking skin
- Short, broken hairs at the edge of a patch, thinner at the base
- Small dents or ridges in your fingernails
- Patches in the beard or eyebrows.
Want to know what to look for? Read our guide to the early signs of hair loss. Sudden shedding all over the scalp is a different condition called telogen effluvium.
Causes: Immune System, Genes and Linked Conditions
Unlike male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss, this condition is driven by the immune system. You may be more likely to develop it if you have:
An Autoimmune Reaction
Your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair roots and pauses hair growth.
A Family History
About 2 in 10 people with AA have a family history of the condition, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.
Other Autoimmune or Allergy Conditions
Thyroid disease, vitiligo, eczema, asthma and hay fever are more common in people with the condition.
Possible Triggers
Stress or illness may set off a flare in some people, though they are not the root cause.
How We Confirm the Diagnosis in Birmingham
Our team confirms whether your patches are alopecia areata or a similar condition. Here's how our hair loss team in Birmingham diagnoses it:
Specialist Consultation
You will have a thorough 45- to 60-minute talk about when the patches started, your health, family history and any other symptoms.
Trichoscopy and AI Scalp Analysis
A painless, magnified scan with AI scalp analysis shows the tell-tale signs of AA and maps each patch.
Blood Tests
We check your thyroid, iron and vitamin D levels, and look for linked autoimmune conditions.
Scalp Biopsy (If Needed)
In a small number of cases, a tiny skin sample helps confirm the diagnosis when the picture is unclear.
Alopecia Areata Treatment Options
Medical Treatment
Treatment aims to calm the immune reaction in the scalp so hair can grow back. Depending on the size and number of patches, our doctors may prescribe topical treatments or injections into the patches. They first explain the benefits and possible side effects. For extensive hair loss, your doctor can discuss specialist options and referral. These may include an NHS dermatology referral and newer tablet treatments that NICE has approved for some people with severe AA.
Whole Health Support
The condition often sits alongside other health problems. So we check and treat thyroid problems, low iron or low vitamin D found in your blood tests. For wider skin conditions, our dermatology team can help. At House of Health, it all sits under one roof.
Monitoring and Support
Patchy hair loss can come and go, so it needs a clear plan over time. Our main goal is to help your hair regrow and support you along the way.
Progress Tracking: Repeat AI scalp maps show how each patch responds to treatment.
Regular Reviews: We adjust your plan if new patches appear or old ones regrow.
Practical Advice: Our trichologist gives guidance on scalp care and styles that help you feel confident.
Meet Our Hair Loss Team
Dr Anita Raja
MBBS, MRCGP, DFSRH, Postgraduate Certificate in Trichology · GP and Trichologist, CEO of House of Health
- 10+ years of medical experience.
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Trichology from the University of South Wales.
- Trained to distinguish AA, pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium and scarring alopecias.
Stephen James
Member of the Association of Trichologists · Consultant Trichologist
- Member of the Association of Trichologists.
- Over 20 years of experience, including clinics on Harley Street, London.
- Expert in trichoscopy and complex scalp conditions.
Dr Nadir Abbas
MBBS, BA (Hons), MRCP (Gastro), FEBGH, FRCPE, PhD · Qualified Trichologist (University of South Wales) · Consultant Gastroenterologist & Qualified Trichologist
- 14+ years of medical experience.
- Leads the biology-first, doctor-led hair loss protocol.
Care Beyond the Scalp, Under One Roof
AA is linked to your immune system and your wider health, so you need a team that looks beyond the scalp. Our doctor-led hair loss clinic in Birmingham confirms the diagnosis, checks for linked conditions and agrees a clear plan with you. This means you get tests, treatment and follow-up under one roof.
Book ConsultationWhy Choose Our Hair Loss Team for Alopecia Areata?
Diagnostic Depth
High Street Clinic/Salon: A quick look at the patch, with no tests for linked conditions.
House of Health Hair Loss Team: Trichoscopy, AI scalp analysis, blood tests and a scalp biopsy if needed.
Treatment Range
High Street Clinic/Salon: Products or supplements that cannot calm the immune reaction.
House of Health Hair Loss Team: Doctor-prescribed treatment, whole-health checks and regular reviews.
Experience
High Street Clinic/Salon: May not include a doctor-led assessment.
House of Health Hair Loss Team: A GP and Trichologist trained in hair and scalp disorders, and a trichologist with 20+ years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often, yes. Because the hair roots stay alive, many patches regrow, either on their own or with treatment. However, the condition is hard to predict, and new patches can appear later. Results vary from person to person.
No. You cannot catch it from someone else or pass it on by touch. It comes from your own immune system.
Stress does not cause it on its own. However, stress or illness may trigger a flare in some people who are already prone to the condition.
Yes. It can cause patches in the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair. Read more on beard hair loss.
No. You can book directly with our alopecia clinic in Birmingham, with no GP referral needed.
Further Reading/Patient Resources
Hair loss clinic in Birmingham
British Association of Dermatologists: Alopecia areata
NHS: Hair loss
Alopecia UK: Alopecia areata
Medically reviewed by Dr Anita Raja, GP and Trichologist. Last reviewed: October 2026
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