Alopecia

Alopecia, baldness. This may exist from birth or be due to a variety of causes. One of the commonest forms is Alopecia areata, in which round shining patches, completely devoid of hair, are formed on the scalp. In rare cases the affection is universal, every hair in the body disappearing. The disease has been ascribed to the ravages of a microscopic fungus, but on this point authorities differ. Benefit has been said to be derived from blistering where the patches are localised, but for general baldness little can be done in the way of treatment. The innumerable specifics of which quacks sing the praises are not all harmless. Alopecia must not, of course, be confused, as is sometimes done, with ringworm.