Dr. Donovan is a Canadian dermatologist specializing in hair loss. In this video, Dr. Donovan discusses an approach that family physicians might consider in the diagnosis and treatment of alopecia areata,. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss condition affecting about 2% of the world's population.

This lecture was part of a lecture series designed for family physicians who see patients in their offices with hair loss concerns. Dr. Donovan discusses (1) what is known about alopecia areata, (2) how to properly diagnose the condition (3) the conditions that are common mimickers of alopecia areata and (4) the treatments that might be considered by the family physician as very 'first steps' for any patient who presents to the office with a diagnosis of alopecia areata.