Medical Health Encyclopedia

Alopecia areata

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Alopecia areata with pustules Alopecia totalis - back view of the head Alopecia totalis - front view of the head Alopecia, under treatment

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Alopecia areata

Definition:

Alopecia areata is hair loss of unknown cause, characterized by round patches of complete baldness.

Alternative Names:
Alopecia totalis; Alopecia universalis

Text Continues Below

---

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The specific cause of alopecia areata is unknown. A family history of alopecia is present in about a fifth of all cases. Alopecia areata is occasionally associated with autoimmune diseases.

Alopecia may also occur as alopecia totalis with complete loss of scalp hair or as alopecia universalis with total loss of all body hair.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.