Pronunciation: [akˈə͡ʊmi͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "acomia" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ə'kəʊmiə/, which represents the pronunciation of the word. The stress falls on the second syllable, indicated by the accent mark. It is a noun that means the loss of hair from a particular part of the body. This word might be commonly misspelled as "acoomia" or "akomia", so it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the proper spelling and pronunciation to avoid confusion.
Acomia, also known as alopecia totalis or universalis, refers to a medical condition characterized by the complete or near-complete absence of hair from the scalp and body. The term "acomia" is derived from the Greek words "a" meaning without and "kome" meaning hair. The condition is considered an advanced form of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in patches.
In acomia, the hair follicles are affected, resulting in the complete loss of hair throughout the body, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and even body hair. It is distinct from other types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, which usually affects specific regions of the scalp and occurs gradually over time.
The exact cause of acomia is not fully understood, although it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. Genetic factors, as well as environmental triggers, may also play a role in the development of this condition. Acomia can occur at any age, but it most commonly begins during childhood or early adulthood.
Treatment options for acomia are limited, and although there are various interventions available, there is no cure for the condition. Some individuals may experience spontaneous regrowth of hair over time, while others may require medical interventions such as topical steroids, immunosuppressive medications, or hair transplantation techniques. Psychological support and counseling are often provided to individuals with acomia to help address the emotional impact of hair loss and manage any associated psychological distress.
In summary, acomia is a term used to describe the total or almost complete absence of hair from the scalp and body, typically resulting from an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata.
Alopecia, baldness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
