Alopecia is a medical disorder in which hair loss, often in patches, affects a person. The loss of hair typically happens in the form of circular patches on the scalp. Hair loss can be in a more exacerbated form in some persons, causing full baldness. The cause that contributes to alopecia depends on whether the hair loss is acute or permanent. Since healthy hair is viewed as a symbol of appearance and attractiveness, people with alopecia also have to suffer baldness-related psychological discomfort.
The loss of hair is not only restricted to the scalp. Several cases of alopecia have also shown hair shedding from other areas of the body, such as eyebrows and eyelashes.
There is no odd appearance of bald spots on the scalp. They often have a glossy look which is affected by Alopecia. Alopecia similarly affects all genders and it rarely affects young children.