Conditions › Hair Loss (Autoimmune / Sudden)

Autoimmune & Sudden Hair Loss – Specialist Diagnosis & Treatment in London

Autoimmune or sudden hair loss, often referred to as alopecia areata, is a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out suddenly in patches. At Skinhorizon, our consultant dermatologists provide expert assessment and personalised treatment to help stabilise hair shedding and encourage regrowth.

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Hair Loss (Autoimmune / Sudden) at a Glance

What is autoimmune or sudden hair loss?	A type of hair loss where the immune system attacks hair follicles, often leading to sudden, patchy shedding (commonly known as alopecia areata).
What are the symptoms of autoimmune hair loss?	Sudden onset of round or oval bald patches, smooth skin in the affected area, and sometimes tingling or itching before hair falls out.
Who gets autoimmune hair loss?	It can affect men, women, and children of any age. People with other autoimmune conditions (thyroid disease, vitiligo, type 1 diabetes) are at higher risk.
Why is it important to treat autoimmune hair loss?	Early treatment helps reduce hair loss, increase chances of regrowth, and manage psychological impact such as stress and low self-confidence.
How is autoimmune hair loss diagnosed?	Usually diagnosed clinically by a dermatologist. In some cases, blood tests may be done to check for associated autoimmune diseases.
How is autoimmune hair loss treated?	Treatments include corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, minoxidil, systemic medications, and supportive therapies such as camouflage techniques.
What complications can autoimmune hair loss cause?	Emotional distress, social anxiety, nail changes, and in some cases, progression to alopecia totalis or universalis.

What is autoimmune or sudden hair loss?

Autoimmune hair loss, commonly known as alopecia areata, occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own hair follicles, leading to sudden, patchy hair loss. It can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body hair. Unlike gradual thinning, it usually presents rapidly over days or weeks.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is linked to an overactive immune response. Risk factors include:

Family history of autoimmune diseases
Other autoimmune conditions (thyroid disease, vitiligo, type 1 diabetes)
High stress levels or major life events
Genetic predisposition
Environmental triggers such as viral infections

Hair Loss Symptoms

Typical signs of autoimmune hair loss include:

Sudden bald patches on scalp, beard, or other areas
Oval or round patches with smooth skin surface
Exclamation-mark hairs (short, broken hairs at patch edges)
Itching or tingling before hair falls out
In some cases, nail ridging or pitting

Hair Loss Diagnosis

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the appearance of hair loss patches and medical history. A dermatologist may use a dermatoscope to examine hair follicles. Blood tests may be ordered to screen for thyroid disorders or other autoimmune diseases. Rarely, a scalp biopsy may be performed.

Consultant Diagnosis for Sudden Hair Loss in Central London

Book a specialist consultation in Maida Vale for rapid or patchy hair loss. We assess for autoimmune causes like alopecia areata and provide personalised regrowth options.

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Hair Loss Treatment options

Topical and injectable therapies

Corticosteroid creams or scalp injections are often first-line treatments to suppress immune activity and stimulate regrowth.

Topical immunotherapy

Certain solutions applied to the scalp (such as DPCP) can help redirect immune activity and promote regrowth in stubborn cases.

Systemic medications

For widespread or resistant cases, oral corticosteroids, methotrexate, or JAK inhibitors may be prescribed under close monitoring.

Supportive measures

Topical minoxidil, camouflage products, wigs, and counselling may be recommended to support confidence during treatment.

Prognosis

Many patients experience regrowth within months, although relapses are common. Some cases may progress to extensive or complete hair loss. Early treatment and specialist care improve outcomes.

Why choose Skinhorizon?

Consultant dermatologist-led assessment
Access to advanced therapies including intralesional injections and immunotherapy
Holistic care addressing emotional as well as physical impact
Personalised treatment to improve chances of regrowth

Your first visit — what to expect

History: Discussion of hair loss pattern, triggers, and medical history
Examination: Scalp and hair assessment with dermatoscopy
Tests: Blood tests to rule out associated autoimmune conditions if indicated
Treatment plan: Individualised treatment such as corticosteroid injections, minoxidil, or systemic therapy
Follow-up: Review to monitor regrowth and adjust treatment

Reviewed by: Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist
Skinhorizon Clinic, 4 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, London W9 1BZ
Last reviewed: 21 August 2025

Get expert dermatologist care for sudden or autoimmune hair loss to stabilise shedding and support regrowth.

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Autoimmune Hair Loss FAQs

What is autoimmune hair loss?

Autoimmune hair loss (alopecia areata) occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, patchy shedding.

What causes sudden or autoimmune hair loss?

It is caused by an abnormal immune response. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, stress, infections, and other autoimmune conditions.

What are the symptoms of autoimmune hair loss?

Symptoms include round bald patches, smooth skin where hair is lost, broken “exclamation-mark” hairs at the edges, and sometimes nail changes.

How is autoimmune hair loss diagnosed?

Diagnosis is clinical, based on scalp and hair examination. Blood tests may be done to check for thyroid or other autoimmune diseases.

Can autoimmune hair loss be treated?

Yes. Treatments include corticosteroid injections, topical therapies, systemic medicines, and supportive options such as minoxidil and camouflage techniques.

Will hair grow back after autoimmune hair loss?

Many patients experience regrowth within months, but relapses are common. Early treatment improves the likelihood of recovery.

Disclaimer: The information above is provided for general education only and should not be taken as medical advice for any individual case. A consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is required to assess suitability, risks, and expected outcomes.

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