Alopecia Areata: Etiopathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Treatment – A Literature Review

Alopecia areata, affecting about 2% of the global population, is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss and associated with mental health issues and other autoimmune conditions. This literature review highlights that the disease is driven by an inflammatory response, necessitating diagnostic approaches that include screening for other medical conditions and using trichoscopy. Effective management requires early, individualized treatment addressing both hair loss and psychiatric comorbidities. Modern targeted therapies show promise for severe cases, but further long-term clinical trials are needed to establish standardized dosing and reduce relapse rates post-treatment.