Etymed
alopecia
Definition
The condition of lacking hair or baldness
Clinical context
A 35-year-old woman presents with progressive hair loss over the past year, noting thinning hair on the top of her head and patchy bald spots on her scalp. She denies fever, weight loss, or other systemic symptoms. Physical examination reveals smooth, well-circumscribed areas of complete hair loss with intact skin. The patient expresses significant distress about her appearance and social interactions.
Mnemonic
ALOPEA - ALOpecia LOses Everything Always