alopécia

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. It can affect the scalp or the entire body and can be temporary or permanent. The most common form is androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is hereditary and related to hormones.

Other causes of alopecia include medical conditions such as alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Telogen effluvium is another common cause, characterized by sudden, widespread hair thinning that usually occurs after a stressful event, illness, or significant bodily change. Scarring alopecias, also known as cicatricial alopecias, involve inflammation that destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, protein, and certain vitamins, can also contribute to hair loss. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems can also trigger alopecia. Certain medications, medical treatments like chemotherapy, and excessive hairstyling or treatments that pull on the hair (traction alopecia) are additional factors. Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and sometimes blood tests or a scalp biopsy. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and may include medications, topical treatments, light therapy, or in some cases, hair transplantation.