Hi, Alopecia areata is the condition in which hair falls in small patches, which are not even noticeable in the beginning. However, later these patches may big to become noticeable. Some times falling of hair in patches continue and may cause more patches to appear. Many a times the hair regrow in the patched area but other new patches may appear. The extent of falling of hairs and the extent to which they regrow, varies from person to person. Sometimes these regrow completely covering all the bald patches and in many cases patches may reappear after some time. Some times the hairs do not regrow in the bald area causing permanent patch of baldness. Sometimes even complete baldness may be there. There is no permanent known treatment of this condition is there. However, some home remedies, over the counter drugs or prescription drugs may be available to reduce the speed of falling of hairs and to increase the speed of regrowth of hair. Minoxidil, anthralin corticosteroid creams and immunotherapy are the topical applications for this. Corticosteroid injection in the area of baldness, oral corticosteroids tablets or immunosuppressant agents like methotraxate or cyclosporine are being tried with variable results. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician