US Medical Term · conditions
Alopecia
Alopecia
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Alopecia |
| Spanish (Español) | Alopecia |
| Chinese (中文) | 禿髮症 |
| Korean (한국어) | 탈모증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Rụng tóc |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Alopecia |
| Portuguese (Português) | Alopecia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ผมร่วง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 脱毛症 |
What it means
Alopecia refers to hair loss, which can range from small, patchy bald spots (alopecia areata) to complete loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis). Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Hair loss can also be caused by genetics (androgenetic alopecia), stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disease, or certain medications. Treatment depends on the cause and may include corticosteroid injections, topical minoxidil, oral medications including JAK inhibitors, and hair transplant surgery in some cases. Some forms resolve on their own.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been losing patches of hair and my dermatologist suspects alopecia areata.
He estado perdiendo mechones de cabello y mi dermatólogo sospecha alopecia areata.
Is alopecia caused by stress, and can it be reversed once the stress is managed?
¿La alopecia es causada por el estrés y puede revertirse una vez que se controla el estrés?
What treatment options are available for hair loss that has lasted more than a year?
¿Qué opciones de tratamiento hay disponibles para la caída del cabello que ha durado más de un año?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
L63 Alopecia areataRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026