How Do You Spell ALOPECIA AREATA?

1. Alopecia areata is a medical term used to describe an autoimmune condition that results in the sudden loss of hair on the scalp and sometimes other areas of the body. This condition is characterized by the occurrence of round, smooth patches on the scalp where the hair follicles are affected. These patches may vary in size and can merge into larger areas of hair loss.

   Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicles, which are structures that produce hair. The exact cause of this condition is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic factors and triggers such as stress, illness, or trauma. It is not contagious and does not result from any specific lifestyle choices or practices.

   The condition can affect both males and females of any age, but it often first occurs during childhood or adolescence. In some cases, the hair may grow back on its own without treatment, while in others it may progress to cause total baldness (alopecia totalis) or the loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis).

   Treatment options for alopecia areata include corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, and minoxidil. However, these treatments may not be effective for everyone, and hair regrowth may not be permanent. Other supportive measures such as using wigs, cosmetic camouflage, or counseling may also be employed to help individuals cope with the psychological impact of hair loss.

2. A disease of the hair leading to the production of circumscribed patches of baldness.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ALOPECIA AREATA

The term "Alopecia Areata" is derived from two Latin words: "Alopecia" and "Areata".

- "Alopecia" comes from the Greek word "alōpekía", meaning "mange" or "fox-mange", which referred to a disease causing hair loss in foxes. In turn, "alōpekía" is a compound of "alṓpēx", meaning "fox", and the suffix "-ia", denoting a condition or state.

- "Areata" stems from the Latin word "areātus", the past participle of "areare", meaning "to be bare" or "to become hairless".

When combined, "Alopecia Areata" literally means "hairless due to a fox-mange-like condition".