In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation. Researchers do not fully understand what causes the immune attack on hair follicles, but they believe that both genetic and environmental (non-genetic) factors play a role.

In alopecia areata, a hair follicle is attacked by the immune system. T-cells swarm the roots, killing the follicle. This causes the hair to fall out and parts of the head to become bald. Alopecia areata is thought to be a systemic autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own anagen hair follicles and suppresses or stops hair growth.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks your hair follicles. No one knows for sure what causes this, but it’s probably triggered by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. In some people, it might be triggered by extreme stress or anxiety.

Causes of this type of hair loss are: High fever or severe infection Childbirth Major surgery, major illness, sudden blood loss Severe emotional stress Crash diets, especially those that do not contain enough protein