What is Alopecia Areata?

In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, pushing them into a resting state. The follicles are not destroyed, so hair can regrow. The condition usually appears as one or more smooth, coin-sized bald patches that develop over days to weeks. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or beard, and in less common forms may cause more extensive or total hair loss. Stress, illness and genetics can play a role, and alopecia areata is more common in people with other autoimmune or allergic conditions.

Who it's for

Please book an evaluation if you notice:

• Smooth, round or oval bald patches that appear suddenly
• Short, broken hairs at the edges of a patch
• Patchy hair loss in the beard, eyebrows or eyelashes
• Patches that are enlarging or multiplying
• Pitting or ridges in the nails alongside hair loss
• Rapid, widespread hair loss, which should be assessed promptly

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist examines the scalp, often with a magnified scalp scope, to confirm alopecia areata and rule out other causes such as fungal infection or traction. Blood tests may be suggested to check for thyroid or other associated conditions.

For limited patches, the main in-clinic treatment is intralesional corticosteroid injections, in which small amounts of steroid are injected into the bald areas to calm local inflammation. We may add topical corticosteroids or topical minoxidil to support regrowth. For extensive or rapidly progressing cases, the physician may discuss oral medications, including newer immune-modulating drugs, or topical immunotherapy, after a thorough assessment of benefits and risks. Referral to other specialists may be arranged when needed.

What to expect

At your visit, we examine the patches and explain the plan. Steroid injections take about 15 to 20 minutes and feel like quick pinches; numbing cream can be used. Mild tenderness or small bruises are common for a day or two, and temporary skin thinning or dimpling at injection sites can occur. New hair growth may begin within one to three months and is sometimes finer or lighter at first. Injections are usually repeated every four to six weeks. Alopecia areata can relapse, and response varies from person to person.

Aftercare

• Wash hair gently and avoid harsh products on the scalp
• Avoid scratching or rubbing injection sites
• Protect bald patches from the sun with a hat or sunscreen
• Use prescribed topical treatments consistently
• Keep regular follow-up visits so treatment can be adjusted
• Seek support if hair loss is affecting your emotional well-being

Frequently asked questions

Will my hair grow back?

Many people with limited patches see regrowth, sometimes even without treatment. Extensive cases are less predictable, and relapses can occur.

Is alopecia areata caused by stress?

Stress may trigger episodes in some people, but the condition is primarily autoimmune and influenced by genetics.

Is alopecia areata contagious?

No. It cannot be passed to others through contact or sharing items.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is located at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors), directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 on Line 3. We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. To book a consultation, call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.