Quiz: A 30-year-old patient presents with sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp noticed over the past few weeks. There is no associated itching, scaling, or pain. The affected areas show smooth, well-demarcated bald patches with no visible scarring. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Tinea Capitis (scalp ringworm)
B. Alopecia Areata
C. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male pattern balding)
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Answer: B - Alopecia Areata
The patient's presentation is characteristic of Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition. It typically presents as sudden, patchy hair loss, with smooth, well-demarcated bald patches on the scalp. The absence of itching, scaling, or pain differentiates it from conditions like Tinea Capitis, which usually involves scalp itching and scaling.
Telogen Effluvium, another possible diagnosis, generally causes diffuse thinning of hair rather than patchy bald spots. It's often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes and does not present with localized, well-defined bald patches.
Androgenetic Alopecia (commonly known as male or female pattern baldness) also does not fit well with this presentation. It usually manifests as a receding hairline and thinning of hair on the top of the head in men, and thinning across the central scalp in women, rather than abrupt, patchy hair loss.
Given these considerations, Alopecia Areata is the most likely diagnosis for this patient.
For more information on Alopecia Areata see: [ Ссылка ].
