Alopecia

What is alopecia?

Alopecia refers to the loss of hair. This is generally progressive and may lead to partial or complete loss of hair, resulting in baldness. Generally, hair loss with alopecia occurs in patches, once these patches of baldness start connecting with each other, then it becomes more obvious.

Alopecia is not present at birth but occurs later in the life of an affected individual. It occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, and this then leads them to fall out.

Alopecia may affect scalp hair (the hair on an individual’s head), facial hair, and anywhere on the body where there is hair.

Alopecia is reasonably common.

Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects, can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome.

Hair is a part of the integumentary system of the body, a system which includes not only hair but also skin and nails too. The integumentary system acts to protect our body from external threats or injury.

Generally, symptoms affecting the hair can be seen with the eye. Although diagnosing a hair related symptom may involve different tests and assessments, both subjective and objective.

Symptoms relating to the hair affect hair on all parts of the body, including the scalp, torso and face. They may also affect specific features of the face, including the eyebrows and eyelashes. When looking specifically at symptoms relating to the hair, other aspects such as the amount, distribution, thickness, texture and colour should also be taken into consideration.

What should I do next?

In some instances, alopecia may be one of the features of a rare disease or genetic syndrome. To find out if someone with Alopecia, may be due to a genetic syndrome, it is important to have a consultation and evaluation with a clinical genetic specialist.  Specialists may also suggest specific genetic testing or other types of tests to help reach a diagnosis.  FDNA’s AI technology can help speed up the diagnostic process by analyzing facial features and other health information.

Evaluation

Don’t let your questions stay questions

Ease your concerns, gain a better understanding of your child’s development process, and connect with medical professionals in your area.

Check your child

Share this symptom

Synonyms:
Hair loss
Related syndromes:

Share this symptom

More signs and symptoms

Signs & Symptoms

Hyperkinetic Movements

Hyperkinetic movements are repetitive, abnormal and involuntary movements of the body. These motions are identified as common neural disturbances in children and can potentially lead to movement disorders. The distribution and severity of these repeated movements may shift over time.

Read more
Signs & Symptoms

Rieger Anomaly

Reiger anomaly is an ocular defect characterized by serious deformity in the anterior chamber of the eye with noticeable strands and shrinking of the iris stroma. This congenital malformation of the anterior segment is identified by iridocorneal malformation, glaucoma, iris stromal hypoplasia, posterior embryotoxon, and corneal opacities.

Read more
Signs & Symptoms

Restrictive Behavior

Restrictive behavior is a form of behavior characterized by an abnormal limitation to a few interests and activities. Children may engage in repetitive motor movements or speech and may continually employ the same routine.

Read more