Alopecia Areata of the Eyebrows and Beard in a 29-Year-Old Male
Case Report – Reena Jogi, MD | Hair Loss Specialist in Katy & Houston, Texas
Hair loss affecting the eyebrows and beard can be especially distressing for men. At Reena Jogi, MD, we evaluate and treat autoimmune and inflammatory causes of hair loss for patients in Katy, Texas and Houston, Texas.
This case highlights a 29-year-old male diagnosed with alopecia areata involving the eyebrows and beard, after limited improvement with prior therapy.
Patient Case Overview
Chief Complaint: Hair loss of eyebrows and beard
Age: 29-year-old male
Duration: 2 years
Severity: Moderate, gradual onset
The patient presented as a new patient for evaluation of patchy hair loss affecting both eyebrows and beard area. He reported a history of hypothyroidism, raising concern about a possible autoimmune connection.
Previous Treatment:
Topical tofacitinib cream for 2 months (prescribed by outside dermatologist)
Minimal improvement
He denied scalp involvement and had not received intralesional injections previously.
Clinical Examination
A comprehensive examination was performed including:
Scalp and hair inspection
Eyebrows
Beard area
Dermatoscopic evaluation
Findings:
Patchy, non-scarring hair loss involving:
Left lateral eyebrow
Right lateral eyebrow
Left superior lateral buccal cheek (beard region)
Right superior lateral buccal cheek
No scarring or permanent follicle damage was noted.
Diagnosis: Alopecia Areata
Based on clinical presentation and dermatoscopic findings, the diagnosis favored Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is:
An autoimmune disease
Characterized by sudden or gradual patchy hair loss
Can affect scalp, eyebrows, beard, or body hair
Often associated with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease
In this patient’s case, his history of hypothyroidism may increase his predisposition.
Treatment Options for Eyebrow and Beard Alopecia in Katy, TX
We discussed several evidence-based treatment options, including:
Intralesional Kenalog (ILK) steroid injections
Topical corticosteroids
Anthralin
Systemic therapies in extensive cases
After reviewing risks, benefits, and expected outcomes, the patient elected to proceed with:
✔ Intralesional Kenalog (ILK) Injections
Scheduled to begin in 1 week.
Why ILK Injections?
Intralesional steroid injections are considered first-line therapy for localized alopecia areata affecting the eyebrows and beard.
Benefits:
Directly reduces autoimmune inflammation around hair follicles
Stimulates regrowth in affected patches
High response rate in localized disease
Expectations:
Hair regrowth often begins within 4–8 weeks
Multiple treatments may be required
Condition can recur
Patient Counseling Provided
The patient was counseled that:
Alopecia areata is autoimmune in nature
It responds well to treatment but may relapse
Early treatment improves outcomes
Monitoring thyroid function is important
He verbalized understanding and will return for ILK injection #1 in one week.
When to See a Hair Loss Specialist in Houston or Katy, Texas
If you notice:
Patchy eyebrow hair loss
Beard thinning in circular patches
Sudden hair loss in localized areas
History of autoimmune conditions
Early evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist in Katy or Houston, TX is recommended.
Alopecia Areata Treatment in Katy & Houston – Reena Jogi, MD
At our clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating:
Alopecia areata
Eyebrow hair loss
Beard alopecia
Scalp hair loss
Autoimmune-related hair conditions
We provide advanced, personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient.
If you are experiencing patchy eyebrow or beard hair loss in Katy, Texas or Houston, Texas, schedule a consultation today.

