About Alopecia Areata
Assessment and care for alopecia areata, totalis and universalis, including contact immunotherapy for suitable children.
Understanding hair loss. Supporting your next step.
Sudden hair loss can be worrying, particularly for a child and their family. At Nathan Skin Hair & Laser Centre in Bangsar, Dr Ruban Nathan assesses autoimmune alopecia and discusses care suited to the person, the pattern of hair loss and their treatment goals.
What is alopecia areata?
In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, interrupting hair growth. It can affect children and adults. The hair loss is usually non-scarring, and it is not contagious.
Alopecia Areata
Often appears as one or more smooth patches of hair loss on the scalp. Other hair-bearing areas can also be affected.
Alopecia Totalis
A more extensive form involving loss of all scalp hair.
Alopecia Universalis
Involves loss of scalp and body hair, which may include the eyebrows and eyelashes.
These terms describe the extent of hair loss. An examination helps distinguish alopecia areata from other causes of shedding or patchy hair loss.
Contact immunotherapy: a topical option
The clinic offers contact immunotherapy for suitable children with autoimmune alopecia. It is applied to the skin rather than injected, providing an option that avoids scalp injections when appropriate.
A specialist applies a sensitising preparation to produce a controlled skin reaction. Treatment requires repeated visits and monitoring; suitability depends on age, the extent of hair loss and the child’s circumstances.
This approach is not suitable for every child. The consultation includes a discussion of alternatives, comfort, possible side effects and the practical commitment involved.
What to expect at your consultation
Assess
Bring photographs of earlier changes and a list of previous treatments. We will discuss the history and examine the scalp.
Plan
Talk through suitable options, expectations and follow-up. Parents and children are encouraged to ask questions together.
Review
Keep review appointments and tell the clinic about any difficulties with treatment or its impact on daily life.
Contact immunotherapy: side effects & follow-up
Itching and eczema-like reactions can occur. Other possible effects include blistering, swollen glands and changes in skin colour. Follow the clinic’s aftercare instructions and contact the team for a severe or spreading reaction.
Response varies, and regrowth cannot be guaranteed. New episodes of hair loss can occur even after improvement. Treatment aims and progress should be reviewed with your dermatologist.
Before & after
Clinic-supplied comparisons, shown without patient names. Before is on the left; after is on the right. Lighting, hair length, angle and camera settings differ. Individual results vary; these photographs do not predict another person’s response.
Case 01
Before (left) · After (right)
Case 02
Before (left) · After (right)
Questions families often ask
Will my child need injections?
Contact immunotherapy is applied to the skin. Dr Ruban will discuss whether this option is appropriate for your child and explain any other recommended care.
Can we arrange an assessment for an adult?
Yes. Contact our team to arrange an assessment and discuss the changes you have noticed.
How do we book?
Call or WhatsApp the clinic, or use the enquiry form. If booking for a child, please let our team know so the visit can be planned accordingly.
For other patterns of thinning or shedding, visit our Hair Loss Treatment page.
Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology · British Association of Dermatologists patient information.
Discuss your next step
Contact our clinic to arrange a consultation and discuss your concerns.
Book an Appointment ↗