What condition is characterized by sudden falling out of hair in round patches?

The condition characterized by the sudden falling out of hair in round patches is alopecia areata. This autoimmune disorder can cause hair loss in specific areas, leading to smooth, round bald patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it involves the immune system mistakenly attacking hair follicles, disrupting normal hair growth.

This condition can affect individuals of any age, although it often appears in younger individuals, and while the hair may grow back in some cases, it can also lead to further cycles of hair loss and regrowth. Distinguishing alopecia areata from other conditions is important for proper diagnosis and potential treatment options. For instance, tinea capitis involves a fungal infection of the scalp, characterized by different symptoms such as scaling and itching, while trichotillomania is a psychological condition where individuals pull out their own hair. Alopexia appears to be a misspelling and should refer to alopecia in general, which does not specifically describe the round patches characteristic of alopecia areata.