Alopecia areata (AA) is a genetically caused chronic autoimmune disease, which is characterized by nonscarring temporary or persistent hair loss. The prevalence of this disease has increased in recent decades, and currently up to 3.83% of patients in dermatological facilities seek care with the problem of focal hair loss. The incidence of AA in children increases with age. Thus, the highest prevalence is recorded among adolescents aged 12—17 years. It has also been observed that concomitant autoimmune diseases are 2.59 times more often found in children with AA than in children without AA. Focal hair loss affects everyday life, always significantly reducing the quality of life. AA multifactorial pathogenesis, recurrent course as well as visible cosmetic defect necessitate a comprehensive approach in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, as well as the most effective modern treatment methods application. The article discusses epidemiology, etiology, development mechanisms, clinical features of AA, describes the main methods of diagnosis and control of performed therapy, particularly trichoscopic signs, presents the most commonly used scales for determining the process severity as well as modern methods of managing patients with localized form of the disease, practical application of which is demonstrated in a clinical case.