Alopecia
The general medical term for hair loss, covering several distinct conditions.
Soumm
4 September 2026
Definition
An umbrella term for hair loss rather than a single diagnosis. Androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium have different causes, patterns and treatments.
Because the term is broad, it is of limited use without a specific qualifier.
Why the distinction matters
Patterned loss, patchy loss and diffuse shedding point in different directions, and self-diagnosis frequently gets this wrong.
Any persistent or patchy loss should be assessed by a clinician.
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