Alopecia areata causes hair loss in patches mostly on the scalp or any other hair growing part of the body. The distinctive patch seen in alopecia areata is a round, smooth and bald patch. The time course of the condition is unpredictable. It is seen that the hair can regrow within a year in many cases without any particular treatment. Alopecia Areata site is an online resource for people who wish to learn more about the disorder.