alopecia areata
Pronunciation: al-oh-PEE-she-ah ar-ee-AH-tah
An autoimmune condition causing non-scarring hair loss in well-demarcated circular or oval patches, commonly affecting children.
Full Definition
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disorder that presents as smooth, round patches of complete hair loss without scarring. In pediatric patients, it often appears suddenly and may be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo or thyroid disease. The condition can range from single patches (alopecia areata) to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis). Exclamation point hairs at the periphery of patches are characteristic diagnostic features.
Usage
Usage note: Document the presence of exclamation point hairs as a key diagnostic feature.
In Context
- "The 8-year-old patient developed three distinct patches of alopecia areata over the past month." — Initial consultation
- "Exclamation point hairs were observed at the margins of the alopecia areata lesions." — Physical examination findings