Alopecia=Baldness. There are many types of alopecia, each with a different cause. Androgenetic alopecia may be localized to the front and top of the head as in common male pattern baldness (it can also affect women). It may be patchy as in a condition called "alopecia areata". Or it can involve the entire head as in "alopecia capitis totalis". The word "alopecia" comes from the Greek "alopex" for "fox". Foxes are less furry when afflicted with a skin disease (the "mange") which causes them to lose their hair. When a fancier word for "baldness" was sought, the mangy fox supplied it -- "alopecia" or, if you wish, "fox-mange".
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by heredity. Alopecia areata is classified as an autoimmune disease, but the cause is unknown.
Baldness, whether permanent or temporary, can't be cured. But treatments are available to help promote hair growth or hide hair loss. For some types of alopecia, hair may resume growth without any treatment.
For more info on alopecia and the drugs used to treat it see the website below.
2007-02-20 15:20:26
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answer #1
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answered by Country Hick 5
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