[Alopecia areata: diagnostic and therapeutic approach]

Alopecia Areata is a frequent cause of alopecia. This benign pathology can be psychologically very disabling; it is very important to give these patients a good support. The exact aetiology is unknown; there are several hypotheses, but the most likely seems to be the autoimmune mechanism. The importance of the symptoms can vary from a very small bald area to a complete loss of hair and influences the psychological impact, the prognosis and the therapeutic strategy. Several kinds of treatments can be proposed; they should be used in accordance with the type and the extent of the lesion, with the side effects and with the possible associated risk factors. A psychological support can be necessary in the management of an Alopecia Areata.