Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

What term is used for sudden hair loss in round or irregular patches?

1. Alopecia areata

2. Trichotillomania

3. Androgenetic alopecia

4. Telogen effluvium

The correct answer is: Alopecia areata

The term used for sudden hair loss that occurs in round or irregular patches is alopecia areata. This condition is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss in specific areas, which can sometimes be quite sudden. Alopecia areata can affect individuals of all ages and can result in varying degrees of hair loss, from small patches to more extensive areas on the scalp or even body hair. In contrast, trichotillomania refers to a psychological condition where individuals have an uncontrollable urge to pull out their own hair, leading to noticeable hair loss, but it is not characterized by round patches. Androgenetic alopecia is commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, which typically presents as gradual thinning of hair rather than sudden loss in irregular patches. Telogen effluvium is related to temporary hair loss due to stress or other factors that push hair follicles into the resting phase, resulting in diffuse thinning but not specifically in round patches. Therefore, the unique presentation of hair loss in distinct patches clearly identifies alopecia areata as the correct term.