Alopecia areata is best described as?

• A. Patchy hair loss in round or oval areas
• B. A fungal infection of the scalp (ringworm)
• C. Infestation of head lice
• D. Split ends

Answer: (A)

Alopecia areata presents as patchy hair loss in round or oval areas. It’s an autoimmune, non-scarring condition where hair follicles are temporarily attacked, often leading to sudden patches of bald spots that may regrow over time. This description fits because the loss is localized, patchy, and not due to infection or mechanical damage.

In contrast, a fungal infection of the scalp (ringworm) typically causes scaly, sometimes red patches that may itch and spread, not simply smooth patches of baldness. Infestation with head lice produces intense itching and visible nits or lice, not isolated bald patches. Split ends are merely damaged hair shafts at the tips, not a disease causing patchy scalp hair loss.