Alopecia Areata 101: Having Sudden Bald Patches? Are They Contagious?

Hair loss is scary enough—but alopecia areata (also called “ghost shaving”) is even scarier! Imagine waking up and suddenly noticing a coin-sized bald patch on your scalp. Since it doesn’t hurt or itch, people often only discover it after a significant portion of hair is already gone. Left unchecked, it could even spread and lead to full baldness. What should you do if you develop alopecia areata? What causes this sudden hair loss? This guide explores everything you need to know—from causes and misconceptions to effective treatment and dietary advice to help you recover and prevent recurrence.

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What Is Alopecia Areata? What Are Its Characteristics?

Alopecia areata—also known as “ghost shaving” or “circular baldness”—is a type of hair loss that’s different from more common issues like male pattern baldness or diffuse thinning. The affected area is typically small and patchy, often round or oval-shaped, similar in size to a coin. In more severe cases, hair loss can spread beyond the scalp to the eyelashes, eyebrows, and body hair.

At first, the bald spot may be only 1–2 cm in diameter. But over time, it can expand, and the surrounding hair often becomes thin and falls out. In most cases, alopecia areata resolves on its own within a few months to a year, with new hair slowly growing back. However, some individuals may not recover without treatment.

Current studies show that alopecia areata can affect anyone regardless of age or gender, but it is most common among those aged 20 to 40. Men and women are equally susceptible.

2

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata can drastically affect a person's appearance and, if left untreated, may worsen into more severe baldness. Understanding the root cause is key to choosing the right treatment and recovering effectively.

Western Medicine Perspective:

The exact cause of alopecia areata is still unknown, but growing evidence points to autoimmune dysfunction. The immune system mistakenly identifies hair follicles as foreign invaders and attacks them, triggering inflammation and leading to sudden hair loss. External factors such as stress, poor sleep, and chronic fatigue can also disrupt immune function and contribute to alopecia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective:

According to TCM, “hair is the surplus of blood,” meaning hair health is tied to the circulation of qi (vital energy) and blood. When organs like the liver and heart are out of balance—due to stress, overwork, or irregular lifestyle—qi and blood can become deficient or stagnated, preventing hair from receiving adequate nourishment and leading to patchy hair loss.

TCM identifies three common patterns associated with alopecia areata:

• Excess Heat in the Blood: Irritability and a “hot” temperament can create internal heat that disturbs the liver and heart, disrupting the flow of qi and blood and depriving the scalp of nutrients.
• Blood Stasis: Poor circulation can cause headaches and eventually prevent nutrients from reaching the scalp, leading to localised hair loss.
• Qi and Blood Deficiency: Often seen after illness or childbirth, when the body is weakened and nutrients fail to reach the scalp, resulting in sparse, brittle hair and patchy shedding.

3

Who Is Most at Risk for Alopecia Areata?

Roughly 1 in 1,000 people develop alopecia areata. While anyone can be affected, combining insights from both Western and Chinese medicine, the following traits increase susceptibility:

• High stress levels
• Poor sleep or extreme fatigue
• Weak immune system
• Postpartum or post-illness recovery
• Autoimmune conditions

4

Common Myths About Alopecia Areata

When people spot a bald patch, panic often sets in, leading to desperate (and sometimes misguided) attempts to regrow hair. Here are two widespread misconceptions:

Myth 1: Alopecia Areata Is Contagious

Many fear they might pass it to others—but alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder triggered by internal factors like stress, not a contagious disease. You cannot infect others.

Myth 2: Applying Brandy Can Cure It

A popular folk remedy involves rubbing brandy on the scalp to “stimulate” blood flow. But there’s no scientific proof that alcohol promotes hair growth—and it can irritate or damage the scalp, making the problem worse. Avoid unproven home remedies.

5

How Can You Improve Alopecia Areata?

Though not life-threatening, alopecia areata can take a toll on confidence. With proper care, most people can regrow healthy hair. Here’s what you can do:

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress disrupts immune function. Try relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to stabilise mood and reduce emotional fluctuations.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Hair is made of protein, so it’s vital to get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals. Antioxidant-rich berries (like blueberries and strawberries) and omega-3-rich fish (like salmon and trout) help support scalp health.
• Supplement with Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in forming new hair follicles and maintaining thickness. Many people with autoimmune conditions are deficient, so a modest supplement can help.
• Get Enough Sleep: Sleep supports cell repair and metabolism. From a TCM perspective, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. is prime time for liver and gallbladder recovery—vital for healthy qi and blood circulation.

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Western Medical Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Western medicine typically treats alopecia areata with the following approaches:

• Topical Steroids: For small patches, corticosteroid injections are often effective. 50–90% of patients respond well, though side effects can include skin thinning, folliculitis, and broken capillaries.
• Minoxidil: Often used in combination with steroids, this hair-growth solution is applied twice daily and can help stimulate regrowth in bald patches.
• Topical Immunotherapy: For moderate to severe cases, applying sensitising agents can modulate the immune response and restore follicle activity. Studies show up to 80% efficacy.
• Oral Steroids: In severe or widespread cases, high-dose steroids may be needed for 3–6 months. Long-term use may lead to side effects like gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, or elevated blood sugar.

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TCM Treatments for Alopecia Areata

In TCM, healthy hair reflects a healthy liver and kidney system. Treatment starts by identifying the patient's constitution and addressing imbalances through:

• Herbal Medicine: Common prescriptions aim to tonify the liver and kidney, promote blood flow, and dispel internal wind. This strengthens follicles and prevents further shedding.
• Acupuncture (Seven-Star/Plum Blossom Needle): This method involves gently tapping bald areas and specific acupoints with a star-shaped needle to improve blood flow and stimulate follicle activity.

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Dietary Remedies for Alopecia Areata

Complement TCM treatments with nourishing meals to support hair regrowth:

• Goji & Black Sesame Congee: Boil goji berries, black sesame seeds, and rice for a nourishing porridge. It supports kidney and liver health and enriches blood.
• Sesame Kelp Jelly: Toast white sesame seeds and grind into powder. Mix with kelp and a bit of starch, then steam into a jelly. Nutritious and delicious!

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Regrow Hair with Perfect Medical’s F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment

Struggling with hair loss? Let the professionals help. The Perfect Medical F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment for women uses medical-grade low-level soft laser technology to stimulate melanin absorption deep within the follicles. This reactivates hair follicles, boosts scalp circulation, and encourages healthy regrowth—perfect for those with alopecia areata.

The treatment follows a 3-step concept: Nourish, Activate, Regrow. It begins by purifying scalp pores and removing buildup. Then, laser therapy delivers potent nutrients to repair follicles. Finally, growth serums activate stem cells, regenerate blood vessels, and rebuild scalp structure, promoting thicker, healthier hair.

Unlike surgical hair transplants, the F8 treatment is non-invasive, pain-free, and requires no downtime—perfect for busy urban women. It uses 650nm LLLT (low-level laser therapy), clinically proven to treat hair problems with visible results. You can return to work or school right after.

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