## Overview Alopecia areata is an uncommon, non-inflammatory, non-pruritic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets hair-follicle antigens, resulting in focal to widespread hair loss. The skin itself remains normal. Lesions most often involve the face, mane, tail, and neck. The condition is primarily cosmetic; secondary skin infections are uncommon unless the horse traumatizes the area. ## Causes The disease is immune-mediated. Auto-antibodies against trichohyalin and hair keratins have been demonstrated in horses. Genetic predisposition is suspected; Appaloosas and Quarter Horses appear over-represented in some series. Stress or concurrent illness may trigger or exacerbate lesions in individual horses. ## Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on clinical appearance (well-demarcated patches of hair loss with normal skin) and histopathology showing lymphocytic bulbitis of anagen follicles. Trichography and skin scrapings help exclude other causes of alopecia such as dermatophytosis or follicular dysplasia. Seasonal worsening is reported by some owners. ## Treatment No consistently effective treatment exists. Spontaneous regrowth occurs in some horses. Anecdotal responses to systemic or topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, or tacrolimus have been described, but evidence is limited. Most cases are managed by benign neglect. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis for the horse’s health is excellent. Hair regrowth is variable and may be incomplete or cyclical. The condition does not affect athletic performance or longevity. ## Prevention No preventive measures are known.
focal or multifocal patches of hair loss; normal underlying skin; most common on face, mane, and tail; no pruritus or pain
## Overview Alopecia areata is an uncommon, non-inflammatory, non-pruritic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets hair-follicle antigens, resulting in focal to widespread hair loss. The skin itself remains normal. Lesions most often involve the face, mane, tail, and neck. The condition is primarily cosmetic; secondary skin infections are uncommon unless the horse traumatizes the area. ## Causes The disease is immune-mediated. Auto-antibodies against trichohyalin and hair keratins have been demonstrated in horses. Genetic predisposition is suspected; Appaloosas and Quarter Horses appear over-represented in some series. Stress or concurrent illness may trigger or exacerbate lesions in individual horses. ## Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on clinical appearance (well-demarcated patches of hair loss with normal skin) and histopathology showing lymphocytic bulbitis of anagen follicles. Trichography and skin scrapings help exclude other causes of alopecia such as dermatophytosis or follicular dysplasia. Seasonal worsening is reported by some owners. ## Treatment No consistently effective treatment exists. Spontaneous regrowth occurs in some horses. Anecdotal responses to systemic or topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, or tacrolimus have been described, but evidence is limited. Most cases are managed by benign neglect. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis for the horse’s health is excellent. Hair regrowth is variable and may be incomplete or cyclical. The condition does not affect athletic performance or longevity. ## Prevention No preventive measures are known.
focal or multifocal patches of hair loss; normal underlying skin; most common on face, mane, and tail; no pruritus or pain