Alopecia symptoms are typically related to the general nature of the alopecia areata condition, loss of hair. The symptoms reveal themselves gradually, with hair loss occurring in smaller areas and then increasing in size. Hair loss can occur on any part of the body that has hair but usually occurs to hair on the head.
Hair loss of several kinds occur with alopecia, and each follicle is affected. As hair loss continues, numerous bald spots and thinning hair become visible. The beginning stages of alopecia symptoms involves the loss of hair as smaller, circular bald spots. These bald patches may appear randomly on different body parts and remain small in size but increase in frequency. Hair may eventually start falling out completely as alopecia symptoms progress, leaving behind a smooth hairless area.
The location and extent of alopecia symptoms depend largely on the type of alopecia. There are seven different types. The most common one results in alopecia symptoms that are contained to occasional spots of hair loss on the scalp, usually of small size, circular in shape, and less frequent in presence. The two most uncommon and extreme forms of alopecia, Alopecia areata totalis and Alopecia areata universalis, results in complete hair loss of the scalp and complete hair loss of the body respectively.
When hair loss affects the beard only, it is called Alopecia areata barbae. Alopecia symptoms of Alopecia areata monlocularis are characterized by a single bald spot. Alopecia areata multilocularis appears as numerous affected regions. Diffuse alopecia areata is hair loss all over the scalp.
The shape of hairs bordering bald patches may resemble exclamation because the hair strand thins as it reaches the follicle. Lack of strength in existing hair that surrounds a region of hair loss is also exhibited. These hairs may fall out with just minimal pulling force exerted because of damaged follicles. The nails of an alopecia sufferer may also be compromised, sometimes displaying Trachonychia, or thinning and pitting of the nails.
Significant pain or discomfort is generally absent from alopecia symptoms. Sensations such as minimal pain or tingling may be observed in the affected regions however. Alopecia symptoms may not persist as the condition can resolve itself either for a short period of time or permanently. Symptoms of hair loss may clear up in some spots even as other areas lose hair.
