Sudden patchy hair loss can be alarming, and it might be more than just stress. It could be Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in smooth, round patches. This can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows, and other body parts. Alopecia Areata is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. It may be triggered by factors like stress, genetics, or other autoimmune conditions. While hair often grows back on its own, timely dermatological care can improve recovery and help manage flare-ups. If you notice unusual hair loss, don’t ignore it; early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.