Alopecia Areata
Pronunciation: al-oh-PEE-shuh air-ee-AH-tuh
An autoimmune disorder causing patchy, non-scarring hair loss, frequently addressed in cosmetic dermatology clinics via intralesional corticosteroid injection or PRP treatments.
Full Definition
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune-mediated condition characterised by sudden-onset, well-circumscribed patches of non-scarring hair loss on the scalp or other hair-bearing areas. In cosmetic dermatology practice it is relevant both as a diagnosis and as a treatment domain, with interventions including intralesional triamcinolone acetonide, platelet-rich plasma injections, and topical minoxidil. Editors should note the correct spelling of 'areata' (not 'areatta' or 'ariata'). The condition name is always in roman type, not italicised, unlike some Latin medical terms. It is distinct from androgenetic alopecia and traction alopecia.
Usage
Usage note: Written in roman type, not italics. 'Areata' is often misspelled; check carefully. Distinct from androgenetic and traction alopecias.
In Context
- "The patient presented with a three-centimetre patch of alopecia areata on the vertex, confirmed by dermoscopy." — Dermatology clinic letter
- "An editor must verify that 'alopecia areata' is not italicised in house-style documents, as it is an accepted English clinical term." — Editorial style note