Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out. Any body site can be affected by alopecia areata but the scalp is the most common site. Alopecia areata often starts as a smooth, round bald patch. While we don’t fully understand what starts alopecia areata, there are several treatments that can help to promote hair regrowth. Some commonly used treatments include topical prescription and over the counter treatments that one applies at home, oral prescription medications, injections performed in the clinic, Excimer laser treatments performed at the clinic and narrow band ultra violet light phototherapy treatments performed at the clinic. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation www.naaf.org is a wonderful resource for additional information.