Alopecia circumscripta is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. The word is spelled as "a-lo-PEE-shee-a sir-kum-SKRIP-ta" and is pronounced as /ˌæl.əˈpi.ʃə ˌsɜː.kəmˈskrɪp.tə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The term "alopecia" comes from the Greek "alopex," meaning fox, while "circumscripta" is derived from the Latin "circumscribere," meaning to draw a circle around. Alopecia circumscripta can be caused by autoimmune disorders or other factors and typically requires medical attention.
Alopecia circumscripta, also commonly referred to as localized alopecia, is a medical condition characterized by localized hair loss on a specific area of the scalp or body. The term "alopecia" refers to hair loss, while "circumscripta" signifies that the hair loss is confined or limited to a distinct area.
Typically, alopecia circumscripta presents as one or multiple round or oval patches of hair loss, often with well-defined borders. The affected areas may vary in size, ranging from small coin-sized patches to larger areas. The absence of hair is accompanied by smooth and normal-looking skin without any signs of inflammation or scarring. This condition may equally affect both males and females, and while it can occur at any age, it most commonly begins during childhood.
The exact cause of alopecia circumscripta remains unknown; however, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in their miniaturization and subsequent hair loss. Although genetics may play a role, environmental factors and stress might also contribute to the development of this condition.
Treatment options for alopecia circumscripta vary and may include topical corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, corticosteroid injections, minoxidil, or other oral medications. Additionally, in some cases, hair regrowth may occur spontaneously without intervention. Overall, the prognosis for individuals with alopecia circumscripta is highly variable, as hair may or may not regrow, and the condition may persist or spontaneously resolve over time.
A areata.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "alopecia" comes from the Ancient Greek word "alōpēx" (ἀλώπηξ), which means "fox". The term "alopecia" was first used by the Greek physician and father of medicine, Hippocrates, to describe hair loss or baldness. The word "circumscripta" is derived from the Latin word "circumscriptus", which means "enclosed" or "circumscribed". In the case of alopecia circumscripta, it refers to the localized or well-defined areas of hair loss. Therefore, the etymology of "alopecia circumscripta" is a combination of the Greek term for hair loss and the Latin term for a circumscribed or localized condition.