Kathmandu, May 14 -- Hair fall is often brushed off as a minor cosmetic concern until it begins to fall out in patches, leaving behind visible bald spots and emotional scars. That's the reality of alopecia areata.

Dr Elisa Bhattarai, a practising dermatologist at Nepal Skin Centre, who also specialises in venereology and leprosy at Bharosha Hospital, unpacks the complexities of alopecia areata. She explains what triggers this form of hair loss, how it presents itself, and the available treatment options.

What is alopecia areata, and how does it differ from normal alopecia?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that leads to hair loss on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas such as the beard, eyebrows, and eyelashes, typically wi...